#motn spoilers

[boxfivetrades]

UK Tour show notes

This whole post is a scene-by-scene spoiler, obviously. If you don’t want to read on, go do yourself a favour and instead listen to the best rendition of AIAOY I have ever seen featuring my new favourite Raoul...

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Disclaimer: If anyone’s still reading this post months after I first wrote it in a post-show buzz… keep in mind I’m just another fan who’s way too protective of the production I’ve seen the most (West End) and all its glorious details that won’t really matter to the casual theatregoer- so when you get to my nitpicky scene-by-scene spot-the-difference non-review, laugh at how seriously I took it back then and view them as the Very Biased Personal Opinions they are.

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(ok at first I felt unqualified to write about the first preview as it was everyone’s first time seeing and performing a proper show but,, I went nuts and caught a second show when Vinny debuted so... dug this up from my drafts and added my thoughts on the show 2 weeks in, ha!)

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— THE TRIO

Killian: Omg Killian is breathtaking. I was sceptical what to even expect at first because his voice did not seem the usual “type” I enjoy in a Phantom, my impression of him was still 2011/12 London Raoul, didn’t really love his Valjean either; to my delight I was completely entranced by him from his first First Lair, and still couldn’t take my eyes off him during my second viewing of the show. He had a great clear belt during the title song, was able to turn wonderfully unrecognisably soft in MOTN, sounded dark and alluring in PONR, and had fantastic rage in Final Lair. 

Really impressed by how smoothly he was able to transition between those extreme ends of emotion and volume, right from the first performance- just from vocals alone his Phantom is already very multi-dimensioned yet coherent- a Raoul no more. His range now is really well suited for the score, I appreciate it SO MUCH when someone can sing the actual melody without brushing off those (usually) lowest A flats with “acting”. There’s a silly quote from a review the official POTO account retweeted (of which I could NOT find the source) describing his “beautiful light and shade ... a voice which could sing babies to sleep on one hand and shake the dead awake on the other...” I laughed at first but they’re really not wrong. Killian’s look reminded me of Scotty and Thacko lol round faced bois all of them, he’s not your usual conventionally dashing Phantom in a dashingly well-fitted suit but all the magnetism comes from the sheer amount of acting in his voice, which did it for me, though his physical acting also had some nice details. 

His Erik comes across as very possessive and controlling, that doesn’t understand a relationship has to work both ways until the Final Lair climax. I understood him to be more a teacher-type figure to Christine at first, who tries to convince himself their relationship is a romantic one when he senses he’s in danger of losing her to Raoul and things start getting out of hand, then finally realises extortion and ultimatums were not the way to go when he witnesses the mutual care and respect between Christine and Raoul.

Holly-Anne: Her singing and acting are perfectly acceptable but her Christine isn’t really to my taste I guess? Having heard her Cosette I already knew she had a harsher-sounding soprano, she hit all her notes perfectly but alongside (the understandably more experienced) Killian (and Vinny!) she didn’t act half as much with her voice; so while physically she does all the required details and facial expressions- and her look is absolutely beautiful, strong, independent, a bit reserved- her Christine felt slightly disconnected from her Christine’s emotions, so to say, so I’m still not fully convinced by her portrayal. (Her technique sounds effortless and she’s also effortlessly gorgeous, but it didn’t appear or sound like her heart was in it all the time, so perhaps it’s another Rachel Barrell situation? Someone buy me tickets to verify this, lol...) As some have already said on here before, it’s just that she has slightly generic MT-type voice, while I personally lean toward actors with more quirks and inflection in their voice which I feel then give their characters more depth. (Anouk and Lydia both sound more classical, I NEED to see them..!) 

Her Christine’s relationship with Erik felt more like curiosity than reciprocated romantic attraction, as though she was only responsive to him because he was so intimidating and seemed to be in control all the time, she had no choice but to go along with it. Watching her trying to reach for Killian in his throne while repeatedly being pulled back by Raoul in the Final Lair, felt like such a switch from her earlier aloofness that I got the impression she felt obliged not to abandon Killian simply because she couldn’t bear seeing her normally-composed teacher in such a breakdown.

Rhys: Ok so he’s got a fantastic and deep singing voice, he comes across youthful and aristocratic and also looks like a model, but he was evidently quite nervous on the first night and sadly that was the only time I saw him? He did nothing wrong, just seemed a bit stiff and didn’t yet have memorable nuances to his acting or singing- so the only emotion I got from him I had to glean from his volume (of which he certainly has a lot). Hence that evening his Raoul looked moody and sounded quite harsh, almost domineering and very confrontational, i.e. would definitely fight you if provoked, being young and lanky and all that. My impression of his Raoul was a suitor who considered saving Christine as a public show of heroism and not out of love and selflessness etc., there were no perceivable moments of tenderness between them... (looking forward to changing this review once I get to see him again...)

Vinny: !!! (Disclaimer I love Vinny’s Enjolras and Feuilly unconditionally so I will be reviewing him with that in mind) and my god do I also love his Raoul unconditionally now... Being already familiar with his singing voice and diction I honestly spent a lot of time trying not to think “omg that’s Enjolras off the barricades in v expensive clothes” but ok back on topic- he is the best live Raoul I’ve seen so far. He’s dialled down the revolutionary spirit lol sorry but his charisma and resoluteness remain, his tone is just a touch younger than Rhys but much warmer overall, so when he does raise his voice at Christine (I guess all Raouls are directed to be slightly aggressive now...) it only sounds like gentle chiding out of concern and not of impatience. His voice is smooth and resonant and there’s so much colour/acting/nuance/depth to it!! To the point where I could no longer tell if I was describing his acting or singing in my own post-show notes- he simply embodies the character. 

His Raoul is a perfect balance of strong and sweet, green but still firm with people when he needs to be- with everyone’s best interests in mind: e.g. on the rooftop he got loud with Christine as he wanted her to calm down for a moment to stop worrying, not b/c he was frustrated and wanted her to stop talking and put all her trust in him then and there; in contrast in 2nd Managers, he was pushy with Christine since her cooperation was needed in their More Important Plan to defeat the Opera Ghost. The emphases in some of his spoken/sung lines with just a hint of forcefulness is a signature of his (I think, as he sang similarly in Les Mis), and suits the assertive side of his Raoul well, which brought out his softer moments with Christine even more- wonderful little inflections that made him reassuring, tender, and the R/C absolutely believably adorable. All this is discernible even in audio (the reason I posted their rooftop scene)- let’s just say I have never been so impressed with an AIAOY, ever. And of course he makes a dashing Raoul, sunny yet commanding and always gentle around Christine. Basically I just really really love Vinny, he’s awakened my R/C heart.

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— THE STAGING (aka the most extended spot-the-difference game ever)

(but I tend to latch onto seemingly the most inconsequential milliseconds of stuff & will probably completely miss other very obvious things/details that are dear to other fans- that’s just me as a person.)

Prologue: So many drapes, Raoul’s wheelchair is also under wraps- there’s the usual start of show blackout and when the lights come back on, most drapes are removed and Raoul is in his chair. The usual auction scene proceeds. There’s more of a hubhub than in London- more ensemble members onstage to populate the scene I guess, happens in a few other scenes too- choreography remains the same. Auctioneer gets a couple extra lines and some alterations in the otherwise iconic wording to introduce the chandelier, which lowers a bit from the ceiling when mentioned. Don’t love it, the atmosphere is less mysterious and makes the chandelier reveal much less elegant. 🙁 Unfortunately the modified script seems like a necessary change as the vertically rising chandelier now has to be “brought in” (lowered) and is no longer “in pieces” to begin with. 😕

Overture: Drapes are sucked into the chandelier, round of sparks shoot out, chandelier gradually lights up etc. This is my first time seeing the restaged tour chandelier in action and feel like the lighting effects are too smooth- almost tacky- oh well. It rises back to its original higher position in the ceiling. The rest of the drapes onstage are removed, the biggest draped object is actually fragments of a “broken” top proscenium, which reassembles itself and lifts in place. Unsure if there are changes in sound design/orchestration or if it’s just the Curve’s sound system, but the Overture is REALLY loud and crisp to the point of almost sounding artificially amplified. Not a bad thing?

Hannibal Rehearsal: Side boxes already in place. Like the auction scene, it’s much more populated- probably using as many cast members available. The Curve’s stage seemed bigger than the one at Her Majesty’s so the ensemble was more spread out as opposed to the usual huddle near the wings. Someone in a grey suit gets a soldier’s cape put on him and is roped into joining the other soldiers to walk around the elephant- for comedic effect I guess, I still can’t figure out who he is. 😂 Greg’s Piangi was not too memorable. Matt’s Firmin is a bit aloof and contrasts nicely with Adam’s Andre who is more animated and expressive. Also it’s Adam. 😍

Think of Me (Carlotta): Carlotta doesn’t go as far back to be able to hit the newspaper the ensemble reads, so that’s a comedic moment down. Saori is so petite! Hence she’s not over-the-top barging around, but her feistiness, wonderful facial expressions as well as her clear and sweet singing more than make up for it. Carlotta and Piangi’s Italian accents are not as exaggerated as in London (for now). The scenery that drops interrupting her song hangs straight instead of dropping too low so the bottom bit lies crumpled on the stage for a few seconds- a detail probably no one will care lol. Lefevre goes to Frankfurt as usual. James Hume’s Reyer almost steals the show- his little mannerisms and details are so endearing.

Think of Me (Christine): Same perfect+minimal original staging. All the props and costumes are so new, they are very shiny under the beam of the strong spotlights. Feels slightly weird, like watching the original production but in HD. 😂 It’s a good first impression of H-A’s capabilities and she nails the song, doing the Broadway cadenza. Rhys also gave a nice first impression, standard acting but smoothly sung. Was too busy rejoicing in Vinny’s presence to notice any particular acting details lol, but he obviously sounded fantastic.

Angel of Music: Broadway-style “Rehearsals, always rehearsals!” from Ellie.

Little Lotte: Raoul says “There’s no doubt of that“ which is less curt than just “No doubt of that!” which is what I usually hear in London- liked it. But it appears Christine no longer gets to say “No, Raoul... things have changed” before Raoul butts in with “You must change, I must get my hat...” which frankly makes him seem more of a pompous arse- really didn’t like that.

Title Song: At the beginning the Phantom leads Christine offstage right rather than down- to be expected since there are no trapdoors. H-A struggles a bit against Killian which was interesting- the Christines I’ve seen usually are only slightly hesitant but follow obediently. The travelator and boat sequence all unchanged- the candles/fog/that journey to the lair, lit in that exact shade of turquoise, all looked crisp and gorgeous.

MOTN: Very short pause after “I have brought you” before starting, felt a bit rushed. Smooth and unrecognisably soft singing from Killian. 😍 He/the direction really plays up the mind control/hypnotic aspect at the start, standing at the organ set he is able to make H-A turn around/dip her head with a just few hand motions. Killian was watching her intently and brazenly 100% of the time (apart from when he turned to lower the portcullis obvs) which made him seem very possessive, acutely aware of her every move, meaning to be in control every second- which was nice. Heart sank slightly at the Broadway blocking at “soar”. 😫 H-A gets a good feel of Killian’s mask at “Touch me, trust me” but he doesn’t flinch, instead very smoothly takes her hand and guides her over to the mirror. Like I dreaded, he doesn’t do the catch either 😭😭😭, but carefully steps around her and shoots the mannequin an annoyed look which was cute. The stage was relatively bright so I could see the white blob that was H-A rush to the boat during the blackout, which kind of ruined the transition a bit. 😂

I Remember/STYDI: Killian yells real yells of rage. Same blocking during the chase. Then he actually GRABS H-A’s arm downstage right and almost flings her to the floor- so she doesn’t trip on her own like in London. Killian and H-A overall quite grabby/physical. Pretty standard slithering on the floor (lol), mask return not too dramatic either- Killian had his back facing us the whole time, and unlike some, doesn’t abruptly rise and transform back into his old intimidating self. He turns back to Christine and reaches wistfully to stroke her hair, though stops himself at the last minute before “Come we must return ...” 👍

Magical Lasso: Buquet has to announce “The Punjab lasso!” with gusto. Unnecessary. London doesn’t do it?

1st Managers: Door at the back is a sliding not swinging one. Firmin has no jacket. Raoul has a moss green scarf instead of a cream one?! *Actually Rhys had a green one; Vinny’s was cream. Meg enters wrapped in a thick cream shawl over her ballerina costume. Costume-wise all changes for changes’ sake I thought. 🙄 No change in blocking that I noticed.

Il Muto: James Hume is a VERY cute Fop/Jeweller. Don Attilio is very tall and his walking v exaggerated. Overall many comedic moments felt deliberately exaggerated for the audience, I personally prefer the subtlety in London- funny if you notice them, not a huge loss if you don’t. Whereas here it felt more “Hey look this is funny- now laugh.” 😕 Chandelier shakes a bit, Killian is a disembodied voice. Andre doesn’t remember what he’s supposed to bring forward and Mme Giry appears from the wings and raps her cane, “the... the BALLET! from Act Three...” Another slightly forced comedic moment- Andre gets roped into the Il Muto ballet not being able to leave the stage fast enough, the nymphs put the floral hoops around him and the shepherd together. Shepherd is the first to notice the Phantom’s silhouette and gasps, gesturing into the wings when he’s downstage left, a stagehand runs out, reacts loudly and runs back in presumably to tell the others. Buquet dies the same way.

Rooftop/AIAOY: R/C enter (and exit) upstage left now since there are no trapdoor stairs. There is a giant Pegasus sculpture sitting in upstage right along with the usual Garnier dome/rooftop flat imagery. It’s like 3 metres high and we were all wondering why, as it’s not doing much here. During the ghostly “Chriiiistine”, H-A runs up next to the huge statue and peers beyond, so I guess that represents the edge of the roof now. When Raoul loudly declares “Then say you’ll share with me one love...” H-A shushed Rhys which was quite cute if not breaking the flow of the song a bit. Her shushing was less obvious with Vinny but maybe that’s just where I was sitting. Nothing much stood out about H-A & Rhys’ AIAOY but Vinny had the softest little details (the dreamiest “dream”!) and I like to think H-A responded more to that.

AIAOY Reprise: Oh BOY this is so huge, I’ve drawn it out for you.

First there was some VERY dramatic booming suspenseful music. Like it wasn’t just a new sound effect, it went for at least a few bars while the giant statue slowly swung out from the back to the front and centre- they threw an extra tremolo note in there too. (I’ve checked- from the last note of Christine’s “...you’ll guard me and you’ll guide me” to the Phantom’s first note in “I gave you my music”, this moment lasts for 8 seconds in London, here it went for at least 18… at first preview it was 26 WHOLE SECONDS- it was TORTURE omg, SO dragged out I had to suppress a laugh.) Thankfully the statue moved faster and the rumbling suspense music got shorter my second show. Anyway so obviously it’s Killian who appears from behind it, suggesting he’s been hiding there all long. (Killian says he actually has to hide inside the Pegasus from 1st Managers onwards and that he would very much appreciate a stool… but he enjoys listening to the Prima Donna.) He has both hands on the statue to keep himself steady I guess? so there’s not much gesturing or pointing or putting hands on ears, unlike what one can do when safely strapped inside London’s angel. He does the whole reprise in that position. At “Alllllll that the Phantom asked of youuuuuuu” the whole thing swings back in, with Killian still on it. The first time it was so awkwardly slow plus the shock of seeing this giant statue thing made me almost laugh again. Second time it was paced better. Still don’t know how I feel about this humONGOUS change. This was when I thought nope, definitely not that brilliant original here… 🥴

Chandelier drop: Killian appears from the stage right box and shoots sparks from a stick at the chandelier, which flashes, wobbles, drops a few metres vertically then blackout with a huge reverberating “boom”. It’s not terrible I guess. The boom was fun to hear.

Masquerade: Same set, same staircase, same placement of dummies, same level of dazzling as in London. Unsure if there are any additions/changes in costumes- my attention span is too short lol. Not familiar enough with the lyrics to figure out whether it’s London or Broadway, but I remember looking for (and not finding) some bits in the choreo so I assume it’s the Broadway version. The rotating star at the top of the statue, at the bottom of the balustrade was VERY wobbly on the first night, as were the dummies- made me nervous. Everything was less wobbly on my second show. The monkey enters from stage left opposite to the other 3 people in the band, idk why?

Why So Silent: When Red Death appeared at the first preview I think Rhys accidentally pulled H-A back too forcefully, he literally swung her into the wings and I was like rude! 😮😂 Didn’t happen again with Vinny. No whispers of “Christine, Christine” as Killian beckons her over with a commanding gesture (again, mind control vibes). Forgot to look closely (twice!😩) to see if Killian disappears down a trapdoor or runs off shielded by everyone, but it’s likely the latter, I don’t think there’s a trapdoor for that either.

Mme Giry’s Tale: No change.

2nd Managers: Firmin has his jacket back on now. Christine doesn’t get to blurt “I can’t!” before running out of managers’ office now? Just why? Why did they take that away?? Also, the few bars of music between her running out and Raoul shouting “So, it is to be war between us...” is the more dramatic version heard in the World Tour with the extra dissonant winds and strings instead of just the arpeggios- fun to hear I guess, and a little shock if you’re familiar with London/Broadway.

DJT Rehearsal: Again, James Hume acts the hell out of his Reyer- actual star of the show tbh.

Mausoleum: Set looks to be an exact replica, strands of ivy, swinging gates and all. Journey/Wishing/Wandering Child blocking all unchanged. There were loud rustling sounds from the ivy when Killian was coming out from his hiding place at first preview 😂 They do the Wandering Child trio here 👍 though Raoul does the Broadway “Leave her, you have no claim on her...” instead of the more frantic “Angel of darkness, cease this torment! ... whatever you may believe, this man, this thing is not your father! ... Let her go, for god’s sake, let her go!” exchange which I prefer- now that it’s gone I miss it, aw... 😕 Killian really goes for it with the fireballs, aiming straight at Raoul and Christine too- so Vinny’s ducking was very realistic. 😂 Raoul shouts “Monsieur I fear you not!” like on Broadway. There are still flames shooting up from the stage but it’s 7 medium bursts not 5-6 large bursts (lol). Same brightness, less heat. 🔥

Before the Premiere: Policeman in the Pit is in the pit. Vinny (as Policeman) has such quick reflexes, he could’ve shot Killian if he really wanted to. 😂 As expected, the “Let the audience in” line is gone.

Don Juan Triumphant/PONR: Maybe it was the lighting but the painted backdrop is painted very sharp and contrasty- it never really stood out this much to me in London. I don’t know much about costume details but this Aminta dress has a very noticeable, lighter-coloured narrowish flap of fabric in front that doesn’t reach the hem? Also Christine has an updo with a rose in it now. Blocking more or less the same. After H-A removes Killian’s hood, he runs towards upstage right, but instead of stopping facing the curtains, he looks more to his left where Mme Giry is clearly seen standing in the wings. I got the impression it was a pleading look 🥺, perhaps hoping for some kind of assistance but she doesn’t do anything- make of that non-exchange what you will. Killian doesn’t kneel while putting his ring on Christine’s finger.

Post-unmasking chaos: The timing of everything is slightly different. Blackout comes faster so there’s no time for the shock of seeing Piangi dead in the fake bedroom, Raoul doesn’t come running to give Meg a hug before the scrim lowers (or maybe that’s just a Danny thing in London?), when they stretcher out dead Piangi, Carlotta asks what is happening and shrieks “Ubaldoooo!”

Down Once More: Good old original staging. Travelator is very well lit so the ratcatcher can be clearly seen! And Raoul still jumps off the bridge! They slide out a black volume with crash mat of some sort inside, he lands in it with a thump and it slides back in. Maybe the effect is better with a dimmer stage/when not sitting front and centre.

Final Lair: Same blocking+entrances, I forget exactly at which point but Killian grabs H-A’s arm and she ends up on the floor. She gets back to standing in time for him to turn her around and put the veil on her. Raoul runs in from stage right now there’s no trapdoor for him to pop up from. There’s another iconic lyric change: “Wait! I think my dear, we have a guest! Sir, this is indeed an unparalleled delight! I had hardly dreamt we’d be so blessed!” Personal reaction: OMG, JUST WHY. 😩 Anyway. Angry Killian sounds really good, I loved how he growled certain lines (esp. “The WORLD showed no compassion to ME!”- phwoar, hear the line for yourself) After being reunited Raoul and Christine end up standing slightly apart both facing stage left as if immediately looking for a way out, so she doesn’t see the noose coming in time to warn him. Usual blocking again, during the kiss neither Raoul did much- Rhys had a blank expression so I assumed he was just choking in silence; Vinny hardly fidgeted either so I assumed he was just relieved he’d got through Raoul for the day. As Killian grabs the candle, H-A yelps a “no”, but Killian gives her a sad look and shakes his head defeatedly as if to explain he’s not going to hurt Raoul now, before burning the noose. 💔 H-A tries to head towards the throne where Killian is slumped, both Rhys and Vinny struggle to pull her back for the longest time and they don’t leave until they’re literally chased out at “Go now and leave meeeeee”. Killian reaches out to clutch H-A’s outstretched hand during the ring return (they stand quite far apart) and she gives a tiny nod of understanding at “Christine, I love you...” before turning to go. Killian picks up the veil, audibly sobs and whispers “my love” (that got me 🥺🥺🥺), and also “I love you” as R/C leave by boat. No change to “You alone” and final scene.

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— MISC

Idk how the restaged tour did it but where there’s supposed to be a real curtain in the show it’s still a real, red curtain btw, the painted one only appears during the interval in place of the usual safety curtain.

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— EXTRA THOUGHTS I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT

James Hume is the most charming Reyer and the most adorable, show-stealing Fop/Jeweller ever, why is James not u/s Phantom, please make James u/s Phantom if not principal, just listen to his Stars omg

And... All in all I still don’t know whether or not to call this a replica. Or even the Brilliant Original.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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[condoraball]

ME REACTING TO NIGHT & DAY (NIGHT EDITION)!!!!!!!

since i did this with reaction thing with meet the vamps and wake up as well i thought it would only be fair if i did it again so here we go fam!!! once again i haven’t really listened to any of the teasers etc so im like going in blind i don’t know what is COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i just gotta say it’s literally midnight here rn and like this situation could use a bottle glass of wine but i ain’t got that so we just gotta go with the flow!)

middle of the night: once again a wise thing to do just start with the ones i have already heard one million times on repeat and then just let me die after the Familiar™ ones lol anyways i rlly love motn it’s a god damn ANTHEM!

all night: honestly all night makes me feel all kinds of things like it’s such a Safe Home™ song for me it just makes me feel all good inside cuz like idk it came out when things were a bit crazy and new in my life so the song really showed me how to find myself when i needed it the most idk lmao i just love it SO MUCH and it’s the only vamps song i have heard on radio in finland so it really is a special one for me personally!!!!

hands: i thought hands would be the one really making it in Finland but i guess i was wrong cuz idk no one knows the vamps STILL!! it’s been so long!! they been out here! but y’all sleepin on them! anyway it’s not exactly my fav vamps song but it’s a fun bop!! ANYWAY let’s get to the new stuff on this album i am PUMPED

same to you: wow! wowie! WOWIE!!! honestly no wonder James is stanning this song so hard this is some GOOD STUFF!!!!! i agree with him same to you for a single!!!!!!!! (ok I haven’t heard the others yet lol) ya better know imma be on that group text (shout out to the olive squad ily my girlies!!!!) about my ex (if I had one lol)

paper hearts: ok honey this beginning is such a Classical™ slow vamps song like honey don’t try to come at me with that “ooh my good they changed so much!!” oh no honey they did not! they still be doing these guitar indie pop songs!!!! this song is so cute tho i love that they always have these cute lil songs on the albums even tho let’s be real i often skip them cuz im not a slow song kinda gal but sometimes u just in the Mood™ for these!!!

shades on: NOW THIS IS THEB KINDA MUSIC I ABSOLULTTELY FUCKIGN LOVE MAN I HAVE HEARD LIL BITS OF THIS BUT MAN I AM BOPPING SO FUCKIGN HARD!!!!!!! I GOT MY SHADES LIKE IM ROCKING BARBADOS ALL NIGHT AND EVERYBODY THINKS IM HIGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hunny brad u can take ur jeans off any time i am not mad about it!! but that blue eyes booty line sooo is about connor don’t even try me bronnor is real IM VIBING SO HARD AT THIS!!!!!! YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

it’s a lie: alright alright alright okay okay oh wow ANOTHER BOP! WOWIE!! this feature is so good! probably the best feature the vamps ever has had im just saying i ain’t even heard of her before but she sounds so good she really fits this song THIS SONG HAS SUCH A GOOD VIBE LIKE IM DANCING HERE!! REALLY! VIBING!!!!!!!!

stay: remember when we all tried to figure out what the fuck brad is even saying in this song from all the live versions yeah me too lmao this goes to the cute ass lil slow songs category and I LOVE IT brad u don’t needa change for anyone

my place: yes brad we can go to your place im 100% down any day any time i am free just lmk and hmu and i’ll be there

sad song: ok yeah spoiler alert but this doesn’t sound much of a sad song lmao this has a nice vibe i love how this has like the p traditional vamps vibe but then it also has that new fresh vibe they been going to lately like this! is some good stuff!!

summary: im a tad bit disappointed connor’s song wasn’t here on spotify but besides that I think this is one good album like i definitely need to give this another listen tomorrow when it is not almost 1am but it really has all the vamps ingredients there’s some wild bops and there’s some more slow songs they really do know how to deliver an album also SHADES ON AND IT’S A LIE ARE MY FAVES

also another thing i want to say is that my reactions really have gotten lamer by the years but like… im old now im literally 20 im basically a grandma.. when the first album came out i was 17 i was still a fresh ass fangirl like i was fucking crazy now im just chillin u know!!! back then i didn’t need alcohol to be hype but now if u wanted a similar reaction from me as from meet the vamps back then u gotta give me a couple drinks first my man!!

[stitching-in-time]

Phantom of the Opera US tour review!

Went to see the re-staged tour of Phantom of the Opera yesterday. Being an extremely obsessed Phantom fan for pretty much my entire life, I have mixed feelings. (Long post ahead! Also spoilers, in case there’s anyone left who doesn’t know the show already...)

I wasn’t planning to see the new tour, since it isn’t the original staging, but the lure of hearing my favorite score performed live with a huge orchestra was too strong, and the new cast looked pretty good. (And included Trista Moldovan as Carlotta! Trista is one of my favorite Christines, so there was no way I could resist!)

The bright side: it wasn’t the completely awful trash nightmare I’d heard some of the hardcore phans say it is. The downside: the new sets are ugly and the new blocking really hobbled the storytelling. The original staging is perfect, and has stood the test of time- so why change it? That’s what I’d like to ask the people behind this, because it doesn’t make sense to me. I know budget concerns were supposedly a factor, but I don’t see how that giant turntable set could be less expensive than a staircase and a portcullis! The one thing I will give it: the staircase magically appearing as they descended to the Phantom’s lair was pretty cool, but I still prefer the original with the whole stage filled with mist and candelabras, it was more atmospheric.

The places where this production was at it’s best were where it stuck most closely to the original. The opera scenes were the best in that respect- and I even liked this version of ‘Il Muto’ better than the original- they had a whole Rococo boudoir set with a cabinet for the Count to hide in, it was very pretty and made it more funny. That was the only place where I can say this production improved on the original. The opening sequence was my favorite though, and I was having a bit of a squee moment when the overture started and the chandelier lit up and all the Hannibal dancers appeared. I also liked the cobwebbed effect over the prologue that dissolved away as the overture started- I thought it was painted on a scrim, but it was actually some sort of projection- very cool! And I forgot that Carlotta also sings ‘Think of Me’ at the beginning, so I nearly flipped out that my favorite Christine was singing ‘Think of Me’ live in front of me! (WHY IS SHE NOT STILL PLAYING CHRISTINE?! SHE’S NOT TOO OLD COME ON PEOPLE! SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR!!) Not to count out Kaitlyn Davis, who was perfectly fine as Christine, and sang a lovely cadenza (I love that they let her use a different one from the Broadway version!), but Trista is my fave and I’d choose her over everybody. Except Gina Beck- I don’t think I could choose between Gina and Trista- don’t ever ask me, I can’t do it!

The use of the original costumes (or most of them, at any rate!) was what saved the whole production from looking like a pathetically cheap bargain basement version. Except for ‘Masquerade’, which they really skimped on, and it looked awful- if you take away the original costumes, including the Phantom’s iconic Red Death costume, AND the staircase that was utilized in both the dance and the Phantom’s entrance, then you’re left with a scene that has almost no impact, or even reason for existing. But Christine’s Star Princess costume was one of the prettier ones I’ve seen- nicely subdued colors, and the skirt was all sparkly like a field of stars- I wasn’t close enough to see how it was constructed, but it looked like a net overskirt with rhinestones, maybe? But it was so much better than most of the really brightly colored, less embellished ones they seem to use nowadays.

The loss of atmosphere was the big problem with the sets: they were mostly just backdrops of brick walls. I guess they were trying to show the ‘backstage life’ of the theater, but it took away from the Gothic Victorian romanticism aesthetic that’s so much a part of what makes the show beloved. In a dramatic sense, switching the action of ‘Angel of Music’ to take place in the ballerina’s common dressing room rather than a luxurious private dressing room for Christine still makes sense, even if it’s less pretty to look at, but changing the Phantom’s lair was just glaringly wrong. It literally looked like a basement: just brick walls with a bed and a desk. (Well, it was supposedly an organ- like a smaller, steampunk version of an organ that the phantom had invented, but it looked like a desk, not an organ.) There’s no candelabras, no portcullis, no throne. There’s a bunch of candles hung from ropes from the ceiling, but it just looks like a student’s modern art project rather than something someone in the 19th century would actually do, particularly someone like the Phantom. All the opulence he surrounds himself with is part of his persona, and helps create his character for the audience- he feels somewhat incomplete without it. Also, taking leaves from the movie adaptation and actually showing the Phantom killing Buquet onstage, or having Raoul punch him in the jaw in the graveyard, undercuts his supernatural persona and makes him seem less mysterious, which lowers the dramatic stakes, and undoes some of the glamour of the character. 

That said, Derrick Davis was very good. He has a fantastic voice, and I hope he gets the chance to play the role on Broadway, because I feel like we didn’t see the best of what he could do, because this version’s terrible blocking took away so much character development. Being nearly a through-sung show, the big songs are also the big moment to build the relationships between the characters, but the new director seems to think that having two characters stand motionless several feet apart and sing at each other from afar is enough to do that- and it’s not. ‘Music of the Night’ is all about the Phantom & Christine establishing some kind of emotional/sensual connection, but it was just awkward here. It’s a running joke in the phandom that Christine has a ‘phantagasm’ when the Phantom touches her in MOTN, but certainly not in this version. There’s nothing remotely sensual about this blocking- it’s pretty business-like for most of it, including when he blindfolds her for goodness knows what reason, leads her around in a dance hold for a few seconds, then they go back to standing motionless a few feet away from each other again, until he picks her up and puts her to bed. (Why she immediately falls asleep isn’t explained, we’re just supposed to go with it. Okay. Whatever. But really, bring back the mirror bride asap!) 

The same trouble plagued ‘All I Ask of You’. It’s usually my favorite, because it’s just so romantic and sweet, but that doesn’t come through in this version. Raoul & Christine’s relationship should be demonstrated through their mutual affection as they’re hugging and canoodling in this song, but in the new blocking it can’t. They stand on opposite sides of the stage until halfway through- Christine actually runs away from Raoul and looks more afraid of him than the Phantom! Add to that the weird set design- why are those brick walls on both sides of the stage if they’re on top of the roof?! I couldn’t even see the entire rooftop set from where I was sitting because of those darn wall pieces blocking the view- why were they there?!- and you’re left with an oddly flat love song. It’s a shame too, because everyone in the cast had a great voice, and it sounded lovely, but that was it. Raoul in particular felt kind of rigid and unemotional, but I wonder how much of that is the director’s fault, since Andrew Lloyd Webber wants the new staging to set up Love Never Dies, so they’ve deliberately tried to make Raoul less likable to do that, which I hate! You could tell they did that with Hadley Fraser at Royal Albert Hall and it was so disappointing. LND will never have an American production, so don’t ruin POTO just for it’s sake. Raoul should always be sweet and adorable. End of story.

On a positive note, they’ve clearly taken a few notes from the phans complaints and made some minor changes from the UK tour- the Phantom’s mask is less ugly than the one you see John Owen Jones wearing in the TV commercial, and his wig is less full and more controlled than the floppy haired ones they used in the UK, thank heaven, but I’d still prefer the return of the slicked back wig. And Christine now has her scarf back during ‘Think of Me’. Also, I don’t know if it’s just Derrick Davis, or if they’ve officially changed it, but I’m glad he’s less aggressive toward Christine in the Final Lair scene. The choking is still a major problem and they really need to find some alternative to that, but at least he didn’t get on top of Christine in that aggressive rape-y stance when he throws her on the bed, like previous Phantoms in this production did. That was one of the reasons I didn’t have interest in the touring show- it changes the Phantom’s character, and it’s really inappropriate for a show that lots of children know and love, not to mention triggering for a lot of people, and I wasn’t gonna support that. But when I watched a bootleg of Derrick, he didn’t do that, so I decided I could give it a chance after all. (Note to producers: bootlegs are your friends, not your foes!)

Also, an interesting costuming tid-bit: Kaitlyn Davis was wearing the rare, elusive, non-striped blue dress for ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’! I’ve heard tales of this phenomenon, and seen a few pics, but it was a surprise to actually see it in person! And it was a pretty one, too: dark blue floral print on a lighter blue background. I admit that trying to find a good match for cosplaying the stripey dress has been a lifelong goal, but it’s impossible! However, I’m wondering now if cosplaying this version might be more do-able. I’m gonna keep it in mind as an option now :)

So overall: it was a mixed bag. I didn’t like the new design or direction, but the whole cast was very good, and I liked them a lot. (I thought the main trio was especially good in the Final Lair scene- if only it had been the original staging!) I’m disappointed that it didn’t have the emotional impact that the original had, but it was still an entertaining show, and I enjoyed all the little funny moments that you don’t get from just listening to the cast album or watching grainy bootlegs. (When Carlotta swished her Hannibal skirt and caught two of the ballerinas underneath it, and they crawled out and rolled their eyes! LOL) And of course, seeing the original costumes in action from moderately close-range was a dream come true after all these years! 

It wasn’t the perfect Phantom experience, but it was still fun, and it was certainly worthwhile. It can’t replace the original, but it was an adequate place-holder if you don’t have access to the real thing. The music, after all, is all still there, and if it makes some little kid falls in love with the show, and maybe musical theatre in general, I think it’s still doing it’s job. I saw a matinee, and there were two bus loads of school kids in the audience, and it was great to see how excitedly they were talking about the show afterward. I even saw a little boy in the lobby before the show who couldn’t have been more than four years old, but he was wearing a little tuxedo, cape, and mask, clinging to his mothers hand and asking her when they were going to see the Phantom. (Awwww!) I’m just glad the show is still out there in some form garnering new phans, because that’s what’s going to keep it alive for years to come. :)

[christoplack]

WWE Super Showdown & NJPW Dominion

𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦: 

On the next episode of the show this Thursday, I will share my thoughts on WWE Super Showdown. 

Spoiler: It was easily the worst event of the year. If you’re debating watching a replay, please do yourself a favour and skip it. You will only be disappointed and equally frustrated.

On a positive note, NJPW Dominion was really solid, so I recommend you catch the replay. 

In particular, the three final matches were great. Personally, I felt Will Ospreay vs Dragon Lee was MOTN. 

I will also be briefly chatting about this event on Thursday too. 

[saphrose]

Hey, it's me again. I had another question about munthan for a piece of MOTN fanart I have in planning. What is the word for phoenix? What are the words for red, yellow, green blue, and white? And how would I say "Fares the Blue Phoenix", grammatically speaking?

Blimey! Okay, hang on, let me get my Munthan dictionary...Red is Rubor, Yellow is Kandor, Green is Virdin, Blue is Zapher and White is Selon. (Roots from words Ruby, Canary, Viridian, Sapphire, and White is named after their moon ‘Sel’, so Selon.)

Just for fun: Orange is Amred, Purple is Mauren, Pink is Fural, Brown is Coron, Black is Nittal, and Grey is Selnit.

Right! The Munthans don’t actually refer to the phoenixes as “Phoenix”. There is a reason for that, but spoilers. :) They just refer to each of them by name, or as a whole “Kinfynd d’Libabren” (Family of Life Fire).

The literal word for Phoenix would be Flue d’Bren. (Bird of Fire.)

Addressing Fares in Muthan... is basically “Fares d’Libabren” (Fares of the Life Fire.) But its a mouthful, so Munthans just say “Fares”.

That’s very sweet of you, to do fanart :) I’m trying to get back into writing, because the next chapter is supposed to be a DOOZY. XD

Hope this answers your question ;)

[fergaldevitt]

wk this year was just really, really fantastic

idk like last year it was good but something about it felt off and then i saw what it was. but this year like everything felt whole in a way and it was just downright fun. i had plain fun watching

and...spoiler oncoming...

i’m just so happy naito won y’all

that boy got his first solo win at wk and against his idol

that was my motn no fucking doubt i was 120% into that shit holy bananas

YOU GO NAITO

[hollandorks]

all of my readers @ bruce wayne after ch 29

[hollandorks]

thank you, that chapter was glorious, and here's a gift (Also apologies for all the spamming)

(the scene where y/n removed his eye makeup and leaned into her touch- ugh poetry)

***CH 30 SPOILERS***

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

FUCK!!! ME!!!! UP!!!!!

WHY ARE YOU SPOILING ME SO MUCH

FUCK

ADJAKFHALDKHFHSKAMS

[hollandorks]

everyone: I'm excited for ch 28!

me:

[hollandorks]

let reader suck bruce off!!! she deserves it!!!

Rosie I'm fucking crying 😂

Don't worry though her time will come

[hollandorks]

“She had been a bit psychic at the gala with her comment, apparently.” SHELBY!!!!!!!! 😈

Ok I’m just a mess. I had to turn on the air conditioner because I was starting to be like 🥵

Ummmm this was so good! Made my day, month, year, life! These two idiots finallllyyyy becoming lovers!!!! I’m just ahhhhhh! No words! I know you mentioned two more chapters of fun stuff but I’m pretty sure all of us wouldn’t mind random teases and drabbles from this universe that is just fluff and smut lol. I need playful Bruce, flirty Bruce, possessive Bruce, push reader again the wall Bruce, sex on the dinner table Bruce, don’t even get out of the car sex Bruce, and if I only had one version that was possible, post sparring sex!!!! We need it (no pressure though 😂🤣) SOOOOOOO GOOOOOODD!! Thanks for sharing this amazing gift with us girl!!!

***CH 30 SPOILERS***

Not to say I told you so but I did say I'd make the pain worth it!!

Also the gala comment....couldn't help it 😉 Bruce so withdrawn and keeps to himself so much but has so much BDE when he's Batman that like....you know he's gotta be blessed you know what I mean 👀

But as for the rest of the ask....I mean there is a sequel coming 😉 may or may not have already included a couple of these scenarios in my outline!

[hollandorks]

So I got scared after all the chaotic posts regarding chapters 27 and 28 so I waited till 29 got released thinking I’d get a bit of fluff/levity and OH BOY WAS I SO SO WRONG LOL. THESE TWO CHAPTERS HAVE BEEN SO GOOD THEY FEEL TRULY CINEMATIC. I may or may not have cried multiple times while reading these chapters WOW. Just fucking brilliant writing. Y/N killing Maxwell - IM NOT A VIOLENT PERSON BUT OH MY GOD I WAS SO ECSTATIC.

I know you recommended a couple songs for the chapter as well as inserting lyrics to the plot but after listening to those songs before reading, I listened to a playlist while reading and IT FUCKING HIT every song matched up so well and I need to thank the internet gods for being on my side. During chapter 27 after batman and y/n visit Gordon and are getting ready Radiohead’s how to disappear completely played and it fit the mood and everything so perfectly wow. The sort of calm before the storm in a sea of bitter sweet melancholy. Then My Chemical Romance’s The ghost of you played during part i of the gala shabackle. Then a couple cure and deftone songs played the rest of chapter 27 going into 28. THEN THE BEST FUCKING PIN DROP WAS Cocteau Twin’s Persephone during the scene were Y/N kills Maxwell and just slathers herself in his blood. I wish I could bottle my feelings this story gives me and bathe in it holy hell. Your chapter releases give me so much joy (even with all the angst of this story) and I just hope you know how much your writing and creativity means to a lot of people.

I hope you are okay after your doctors visit. Have a great rest of your week! 😊

-🥀

Ha whoops, sorry about that 😅 the fluff is coming!

But thank you 🥺 It's a huge compliment for my writing to be called cinematic. And I really wanted her to kill him even though Bruce has the no killing rule 🙈 Idk what that says about me, but I'm glad everyone liked that part nonetheless!

I have to listen to those songs!! Someone else recommended to The Ghost of You & I listened to it on the way to work this morning and 🥵 It gave me goosebumps and made me tear up. Especially imagining it playing as he's like, smashing up everything in the bat cave and screaming 😩 Poor Bruce.

I'll listen to the other songs when I get a chance and comment on this post my thoughts 😊 thanks for sending them in!! I love seeing what songs make everyone think about this fic!

Thank you so much though 🥺 I never ever imagined when I first started this fic what it would turn into. I thought maybe like 10 people would read it. It means so much to me to see how much love it's getting, because it really has been a passion project for me and I'm so proud of it. (Oh no not me feeling emotional because we're close to the end and I'm getting nostalgic)

And thank you!! Not doing great because of the meds they put me on but I only have to take them until Monday--so hopefully I'll be much better soon! Thanks for asking ��

Have a great rest of your day/ night!!

[hollandorks]

Oh. My. God. Chapter 30 was incredible, amazing, fantastic, brilliant, I could go on. The absolute despair Bruce is in. Like, I can feel the downward spiral he’s in in his head and the way he just throws himself into being Batman to try to avoid feeling what he’s feeling. I can literally see him getting into fights and just being so brutal and trying to beat the feelings out of himself. The description of how he completely destroyed the tables and everything? SO GOOD.

And her anger!! Ugh. I know exactly how that kind of anger feels, and you just completely nailed it. Like, she’s absolutely had enough of him beating himself up. When she think about how she doesn’t understand why she’s angry?? Girl I’ll tell you, it’s because you secretly feel rejected by big, dumb, broody bat boy.

And Alfred!! Him telling Bruce that he’s punishing her too?????? That could maybe be the most powerful thing he could’ve said to Bruce, imo. He needed to hear that.

“YOURE A BULLY”!!!!! 😂 i can’t, the thought of him telling her that literally has me dead.

And also. Istg if BRUCE WAYNE growled “play later” at me??!!?!! Akheiskdjwodbdj I would die right then and there. I would evaporate into thin air. I would cease to exist.

TLDR I hope you are so so proud of this, because it’s fabulous and so full of tangible emotion and boyyyyyy did we need that resolution lol. I’m so excited to see what you have coming in the last couple parts 💖

***CH 30 SPOILERS***

Thank you so much 🥺

Beating the the feelings out of himself is such a good way to put it. That'e exactly what he's doing!

"It's because you secretly feel rejected by big, dumb, broody bat boy" 💀😂 The way that made me laugh. SO accurate though! That's exactly what I was going for! He's not just rejected her love, but he's full-on rejecting her presence. Not even trying to be friends or anything. So her sexy dream really drove that home and really pissed her off 😂

This scene with Alfred & Bruce just came so naturally to me. It's probably my absolute favorite scene between them! I swear it felt like I was just listening and writing down what was being said, like I didn't evem create it, I was just recording it 😂 That's how natural it felt. Their dynamic is so so so interesting to me so I had to include a scene like this with dad! Alfred

I've said it before I was really inspired by that "play later" line in an actual book so I stole it 👀 Because it felt very Bruce to me 👀 (also waiting to see if anyone can point out which book this is from, I've definitely mentioned the book on here before hehe)

Ugh wow thank you 🥺🥺🥺 I am proud of it! I keep calling it my magnum opus. Idk if I can ever write anything quite like this again. I adore this fic with my whole heart; it kind of has a few pieces of my soul in it. I'm just so pleased that you all love it as much as I do. 😭😭😭

[hollandorks]

THAT CLIFFHANGER–

as much as the cliffhanger is killing me i’m honestly so excited for the angst and drama that’s about to happen 🥲

i love the reaction bruce had when he found her on his bed 🥺 the way he’s soft but only towards her… *chef’s kiss*

i hadn’t even considered that the men would recognize her from the last time (although of course they would!!)

b continuing to talk to her in the earpiece the whole time is so sweet AND so heartbreaking but oh my god what is his reaction gonna be to hearing what they said at the end!! (assuming that he did hear that) he’s probably going to be so mad at himself :((

anyway…as always, this chapter was brilliant and i cannot wait for the next one!!

🖤

**CH 18 SPOILERS**

There is so much angst and drama coming 💀 sorry!

Soft Bruce is my favorite. Like in the movie that scene where he's looking at Selina and she has the little "where r u" sign? I want a million more soft Bruce scenes 🥺

But poor guy can't catch a break 😬

[hollandorks]

“Working at a big bank sounds so…important.” Listen, I get it. I once had someone tell me over text they liked me and I responded by saying “I have to go to bed.” It was like 6pm.

I love that they talked about lipstick. I’m not sure if Lena actually cared about her lipstick at all, but nothing makes men more uninterested than lipstick. The girls that have been there long enough definitely know some of the guys involved in this. I love that Lena was like “be careful with him.” And she was like “thanks for the heads up, now I know who to get kidnapped by.” But I have some thoughts about that. Lena said the first girl that was found left with him. But only the first. What if each man is only taking one woman?

When they went into that room together my heart was pounding! I was like “oh no, oh no, oh no.” I really felt for her in that moment. Trying to right the wrong of Marie dying by not only putting herself in danger but being at the mercy of men. I love that she was purposefully getting him more drunk. It’s smart. If he passes out, than they don’t have to do anything. And then making it look like you’ve done something is genius. Plus hey! $100 tip is pretty nice. Not how he gave it to her, that’s not nice.

It is fitting though, men like that, the men in this story that are drugging women. It’s obvious they don’t see women—or at least these women working in a sleazy club—as people. They view them as meat. Which is disgusting.

Poor Bruce watching and listening to all of that. I’ve said it a billion times by now, but he just wants to protect her. That’s very sweet. He keeps telling her “you don’t have to do this” and to him, he’s right. She doesn’t have to. Protecting Gotham, taking down bad guys, that’s his job. His responsibility. He blames himself for Marie’s death. He should be the one to make sure it never happens again. He’s the one that has to atone for it. I’m sure he recognizes those same thoughts and feelings within her. He knows she feels like she has to fix it. To him it doesn’t. They’re at a crossroads of self blame and guilt. It’s not either of their faults.

I knew she was gonna kiss Batman eventually. I didn’t expect to be after something like what she just went through, but I get it. She wants to feel safe, and she feels safe around Batman. She wants to get the taste of him off of her. To forget about the shit she just had to endure. I love that they kissed and she was like “this is Bruce.” I know she realized it after the line about him not being good enough for her. However, I love the idea that even while drunk, Bruce’s kiss left a lasting impression on her.

Her waiting in Bruce’s room to confront him? Genius! Her falling asleep in there because it’s such a comforting place? Chefs kiss. That’s what I like to read. I hope it’s the first time she’s able to sleep well since Marie. I hope Bruce walks into his room and finds her asleep. He’ll probably be a bit confused, but I imagine it filling him with warmth. I imagine she’s still going through it mentally and Bruce can tell. So I hope he sees her asleep in his room and is able to realize he is safe for her. He’s good enough for her. I also imagine her waking up and Bruce and/or Alfred being in the room like “what are you doing in here?” I’d go with sleepwalking. Bruce is a private guy, I would not want to be caught asleep in his room.

Also Bruce thinking he’s not good enough for her, and making the decision for the both of them? Homie, that’s not very cash money. She decides what is good for her, and what isn’t. Clearly she thinks you are, Bruce.

I hope she sticks to her guns about Bruce being Batman when she wakes up, and confronts him about it. Also, I imagine Bruce panicking to Alfred that she figured it out, and I’m just wanting to give a long sigh while pinching the bridge of his nose. He’ll definitely ask Bruce “is that such a bad thing?” And Bruce giving an over dramatic “yes”

Also I’ve had a thought. Marie told her to watch her drinks, and she does. But what if the girls aren’t getting drugged through their drinks? What if they’re getting injected with them?

I absolutely adored chapter 17, and I can’t wait to read more! You’re very talented! Much love and I hope the rest of the week treats you well

🦇

Going to start tagging these asks as "motn spoilers" because I don't want to wait to answer them anymore sorry 😅😂

Anyways! Hi 🦇!! I'm also terrible at flirting. Can you tell a lot of the awkward/ funny things in this fic come from direct personal experience? 😅 And yes, men do not care about lipstick! Especially the type of men around them at the VIP club. The women are just meat to them, like you said. Unfortunately it's all too believable to believe that men in power can be corrupt/ sleazy/ will drug & kidnap women. So it's not hard to find inspiration for a plot 🥵

Love seeing your predictions and thoughts. It really helps me as a writer because it's like a perfect look inside a reader's mind where I can go "are these threads of foreshadowing clear? are things too obvious? not obvious enough?" Plus on top of that it's just so fun to interact with people over my writing 🥺 it is seriously such a joy.

Anyways, as usual I'm avoiding certain topics in case I accidentally spoil anything in future chapters! I will however say two things: one) I want to write blurbs of Alfred's POV or Bruce's POV with Alfred for parts throughout the fic. Because it'll be so fucking fun 😂 Poor Alfred. And two) playing with the idea of someone who makes you feel safe has been a touchstone for this fic! It definitely will be explored more

[hollandorks]

Now that the smut has been posted…Bruce Wayne likes hand holding during sex and I will die on that hill

I accept this. No need to die on the hill 😉 He seems so touch starved you know he'd love something like that