#the choices in the matinee i saw

[k-she-rambles]

The lines in red and black with everyone's names are either gone or my memory of it is gone, but "grantaire put that bottle down" is back in the form of a truly exhausted line from Enjolras

[past-the-dawn]

they weren't lying that bradley jaden!javert really can homoerotic

[hey-august]

I have an idea...

I came up with something like modern au But mixed with superheroes au, where buggy is the villain and anon the heroine, Buggy knows Anon's secret identity and initially befriends her to plan revenge. But over time everything changes and they become good friends, One day things get heated (NSFW) and in the middle of the action Buggy says something that makes Anon recognize him as her arch enemy.

Oh, oh yes. I'm here for this. (Not me imagining Buggy as Bomb Voyage from The Incredibles now lmao)

WC: ~850 Warnings: a touch of nsfw, buggy x gn!anon, brief profanity, light mention of violence, mention of an erection

The way this guy fails upwards in the most unexpected ways. Buggy stumbled across Anon's identity, literally. How he managed to show up just as they were switching between private life and hero life was unlikely. It definitely did not happen because he was going to use that same spot to also change disguises.

And, of course, Anon can't deny who they are. Between tell-tale injuries and the stupid hi-tech gear they were using in bright daylight, there isn't much to say besides, "please forget you saw this."

Thinking on his feet, Buggy offers a different option. "How about no."

"What do you mean "no"?! What the hell are you doing here anyways? Just turn around and- and pretend this didn't happen."

Anon is panicking. And…in pain. Buggy is familiar with that frantic need to get rid of witnesses, all to maintain the image of being strong.

Buggy manages to convince Anon to grab a warm drink and get patched up. He's nosy and wants to know who managed to get them like this. (It was a one-off nobody, some black cat burglar.)

He listens, judges (silently and out loud), and makes plans to embed himself in Anon's personal life.

Anon lets it happen. It's nice to have someone who knows and listens. To have someone to call for a distraction, when everything is too much. A few texts after a tiring fight, a quick lunch, an afternoon matinee, a middle-of-the-night chat full of tears and sniffles, dinner cooked together.

Buggy remembers when the change happen. It was a classic brawl between the fated villain and hero. In the chaos, the beloved protagonist must have lost track of all the dangers and was in the direct line of getting skewered. If that happened, then the fight would be over. Forever. And, well, Buggy wasn't ready for it to end like that.

A few choice movements and taunts were enough to bring Anon out of harms way. Well, mostly - the sharp projectile did get a taste of flesh and blood, but not of life.

Buggy made sure to keep himself available after the fight. Just in case his "friend" needed him. (It helped offset the guilt that he was ignoring.)

After that, Buggy often found himself making sure Anon was not in mortal peril. Both from his own hands, and from others. It was dirty. He ended up making bad deals and alliances with scumbags, but it was all for safety. All to keep Anon safe.

Buggy tried to tell himself that this was all so he could come out on top. He could win exactly how he planned. But the night he fell asleep on Anon's couch with empty takeout containers on the coffee table, and their head in his lap, Buggy stopped lying to himself.

The lines were blurred. It was getting harder and harder for Buggy to keep his own identities separate. And that was his downfall.

It was a small thing. So little.

Once again, Buggy found himself on Anon's couch. But this time, they were on top of him, straddling his lap and grinding against the erection they teased him about barely 5 minutes ago. It felt so good.

He wrapped his arms around their body. One arm was looped low across their back. Their other brought his hand to rest on the back of their neck - that was it.

The feel of Buggy's hand on the back of their neck. The way he shifted his fingertips slightly before squeezing. Shit, there were in practically the same spot as when…as when…

A rough memory came forward - one with restraints and a long villainous monologue from their indulgent nemesis. As he prattled on and on, his large hands kneaded Anon's neck. Anon remembered those details clearly. It was the closest they came to losing.

And it happened just before this shithead showed up in their life. Probably for revenge. To finish things.

But why didn't he? Why was he sitting on their couch with strained pants? Why was his face in the crook of their neck? Why was he begging for more?

Was this a trick? Humiliation and demise would not be out of the question.

The questions and answers didn't seem right, though. Not for this situation. There were all those times Buggy helped clean a wound, or change bandages, while apologizing. Maybe those weren't generic platitudes, but honest admissions of guilt.

Now that felt more like an answer. And Anon had the question already - what would cause a villain to do the things they do? To pull their punches? To swap more banter than fists?

Hearing Buggy whine against their pulse, "please, I need you so bad," was the answer they accepted.

And it was an answer they kept for themself too. They needed Buggy, as well.

They also needed to mess with him. Not now, but during their next hero-villain fight. Buggy couldn't be the only one having fun with secret knowledge.

Just think about how he'd react when the goody-two-shoes starts flirting with the ne'er-do-well…

[soft-girl-musings]

Comedy of Errors (MK Spring Bingo #3)

Steven Grant x GN!Reader

cross-posted to ao3

tags: theater kid slander (affectionate), amateur references to Shakespeare, steven and reader teach high school, no use of y/n

wc: 1,341

fic summary: The course of true love never did run smooth. And neither does the play you watch unfold.

A/N: as a recovering theater kid, this was a fun one. enjoy!

_____________________

It's poor etiquette to laugh. Right?

How you ended up sitting in a high school theater on a Sunday afternoon, you have no idea. Well, that's not true: you never can say no to your favorite students. When they begged you to come to their closing matinee, you had no choice but to cough up the ticket money (with no faculty discount, to add insult to inconvenience).

So here you are, seated in the darkened auditorium, watching what could only be described as chaos unfold on your school's professional-grade thrust stage.

In the lobby you'd heard whispers of how last night's cast party had gotten a bit too rowdy, rendering a few upperclassmen unable to attend their final performance. It didn’t matter what circle you ran in at their age: you’d learned years ago that a “mysterious illness” following any high school party probably isn’t the flu.

Thankfully there were enough students to fill in the missing principal roles, but with only the morning to prepare, it’s a wonder they've gotten through each scene. Draped in ill-fitting costumes with scripts in hand, the students have tried their best to piece together one last staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All you know about this play is that it’s a comedy, but you don’t think you’re supposed to laugh at every blunder and mishap.

(It’s very hard not to.)

Across the house you see Mr. Grant, one of the younger teachers on campus, whose face mirrors how you feel. He’s probably trying for a look of statuesque stoicism, but all he's managed to pull off is mild bewilderment.

You haven’t spoken to your coworker much– mainly because there’s rarely a moment where he’s without another colleague talking his ear off or hanging on every word of his (admittedly delicious) accent. He’s a newer hire, having come from London to teach a few history courses but was moved to the literature department the moment your principal saw the top of his resume. The modern education system, ladies and gentlemen.

The man is dressed to impress: black turtleneck under a sharp tweed ensemble, his usually wild curls tamed a bit as they grace his forehead, he certainly looks the part of a private school instructor. But there’s no denying the entirely unserious look on his face: he is one blunder away from losing his cool.

You don’t realize how long you’ve been staring until his bright brown eyes connect with yours. In an instant you understand why so many students doodle his name in the margins of their notebooks: his exasperated stare has you instantly weak.

–which is poor timing, given the scene unfolding onstage between you. An unrehearsed kiss goes wrong, and the two of you slap your hands over your mouths to subdue your laughter.

The rest of Act I goes the same way. You try to follow along, but every so often your eyes drift to Mr. Grant white-knuckling his way through the rough performance. When your eyes connect again (and again, and again) you both struggle to contain your laughter. Knowing that tears are likely stinging your colleague's eyes the same as yours makes you feel like less of an ass.

The curtain closes for intermission and you rest your head in your hands. How is this only half over?

“Bit of a rough watch, yeah?”

Your head snaps up– those brilliant brown eyes widen at your expression, now only one row of seats between the two of you.

“Mr. Grant–”

“Steven,” he says quickly, offering his hand. You take it and smile.

“Steven,” you begin again, giving your name in return. “I don’t mean to be rude, but aren’t some of these kids–”

“–in my Shakespearean Studies course? Quite a few, really.” He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. “But we’ve focused more on the historical tragedies. Don’t think a textbook can teach comedic timing.”

“Oh, I've laughed plenty.” You fidget with your program and look back to the stage. “At least they’re trying their best, I’m sure part of you is proud.”

Steven’s smile grows as he shakes his head. “I’ll be honest, it’s nice to know they’ve looked at the material for once.” He leans in. “Last week I asked them where the phrase ‘double, double, toil and trouble’ came from, and someone said Harry Potter.”

You laugh out loud for the first time all evening. It feels nice to not hide it. You miss how Steven takes in the sight of you, as well as his loss for words when you calm down.

“I have a confession to make,” you say hoarsely, wiping a tear from the corner of your eye. “I have no idea what’s supposed to be happening. I’m lost as hell.”

“Maybe I could–” he trips over his words and his feet as he clambers around the seats to sit next to you. “Maybe I could help you out. Bit of an expert, myself. What they pay me for, and all–”

“Sure,” you stop him with a smile. “I’d like that.”

He breathes a sigh of relief and settles in. Pulling out a pair of reading glasses, he opens his program.

“Right. So, A Midsummer Night’s Dream…”

The rest of your intermission is spent receiving a crash-course in William Shakespeare. You’re amazed at how he spouts the most minute details about recurring symbolism, character motivations, and even the historical context of the play up until the lights dim and the show resumes. You squeeze his forearm to silently suggest taking a break, and he chokes down whatever factoid was about to tumble out next.

Maybe it’s because the students have found their footing. Maybe your mini-lecture has filled in the gaps so you can better follow along. Or maybe it’s the sight of Mr. Grant– Steven– sitting beside you, rapt attention on the stage as his readers slide down his nose each time he laughs and leans in to explain the joke, drawing closer and wafting his subtle cologne your way between still-too-loud whispers. Whatever the reason, you’re enjoying the second half of this show much more than the first.

The play draws to a close with a happy ending. One of the fae characters comes downstage to address the audience as the rest of the cast departs.

“If we shadows have offended,

Think but this and all is mended:

That you have but slumbered here

While these visions did appear…”

“Star pupil, that one,” Steven whispers once more. “Deserves every bit of the spotlight.”

You squeeze his arm again, this time not moving your hand or looking his way. You both take in the last words of the performance in dazed silence.

“...Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends.”

With that, the fairy bows and the stage fades to black.

The audience erupts into applause as the cast returns onstage. You and Steven cheer and swap last-minute quips about the performance as the standing ovation thunders around you.

You exit the auditorium together and are immediately swarmed by a handful of students– some yours, some his– who eagerly await your feedback. You each congratulate the cast, getting them to sign your programs to commemorate the day.

Finally you’re able to break away and step into the brisk evening air.

“Well that was… something,” you laugh.

Steven grins as he fastens his coat. “‘Least they’ll be tuckered out in first period, yeah? Might get a bit of peace tomorrow morning.” He pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to you. “Sorry, don’t want you to leave that behind. Could be worth something someday.”

You take your folded program back from him. “Oh, I'm sure.”

With an awkward wave, Steven steps back. “Right. Well, see you around.”

“See you, Steven.”

You turn to head toward your car. As you walk, you unfold your program to see a new signature on the back page, followed by a phone number.

Let me know if you need any more Shakespeare translated. I’m fond of the love poems, myself ;)

_____________________

A/N: mk bingo has been a blast, i'm grateful for the chance to put these guys in Situations. that's one for each of em now. we'll see who gets attention next...

also, some inspiration was taken from this post (rip)

as always, ty for reading <3

event tags: @moonknight-events @spacecowboyhotch @juneknight

addtl tags: @mrs-lockley @lunar-ghoulie @shadystarlightgentlemen @casa-boiardi @nerdieforpedro @queerponcho (lmk if you'd like to be added to/removed from this wee tag list)

[mrepstein]

The Flat That Epstein Bought - Liverpool Echo - July 11, 1964

HOME - with the man behind the Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Cilla Black, Billy J. Kramer, etc, etc.

Reported by Barbara Anne Taylor

---

I don’t want to brag or cause any jealousy, but I used to queue for the Saturday matinee at a cinema that was next to a furniture shop that was called Epstein and Son and that Epstein’s other son manages the Beatles.

And that is as exciting as dancing with a man who danced with a girl who danced with the Prince of Wales.

The other son is Brian, who has in his time pursued many careers until he found his present crock of gold. He did originally embark, with no lack of enthusiasm, on a career in his family’s furniture business.

CRAFTY CHERUB

“I was 21 at the time,” said Mr. Epstein, who looks like a sharp-clothed, crafty cherub, “and extremely interested in design and interior decorating - still am. I served,” he added stoically, “my apprenticeship with the Times Furnishing Company in Liverpool.

“I was fanatically keen on what I regarded as contemporary at the time. I felt quite a missionary zeal about it, so I wasn’t fired with enthusiasm about the furniture in my father’s shop. It all looked to me like greasy great walnut bedroom suites.

“I was full of notions about the customers really wanting the sort of furniture I wanted them to have. I overlooked the fact that my father is a successful business man because he knows what his customers want. However, I persuaded him to stock some of the furniture of my choice.”

When I asked Mr. Epstein if his chosen furniture sold, he received the question a trifle incredulously: “I saw to it,” he said stonily, “that it did” - and having subsequently witnessed something of his adroitness as a salesman, who can fail to believe him?

Mr. Epstein is clever at picking people; he picked his parents very wisely, for his indulgent father then set him up in his own furniture shop in Hoylake.

He was able to revel in the furniture of his choice and provide an interior decorating service to boot. “It was the interior decorating side I enjoyed most, I had lots of ideas and I love experimenting with colour.”

When I asked Mr. Epstein if he was able to submit his clients to his ideas he replied: “The customer is always right.”

Mr. Epstein inhabits the top floor and the roof, where he has potted plants and wrought iron furniture, and swinging chintz hammocks and a splendid view.

He has two bedrooms and a study and one large, long combined living and dining room, which is decorated in white, grapish green and amber and is inspiringly tidy.

“I can’t bear clutter, I’m obsessive about plainness and simplicity, in fact, this room looks cluttered to me,” he said, eyeing with some distaste this positive precedent for orderliness.

The Buyer of Antiques

“I like buying antiques, although I have no knowledge of them. I don’t care about their period or their history. I just care about their shape. I couldn’t live with only modern furniture now, you grow out of such utter devotion. It’s rather sad really.”

“I find it completely absorbing searching for exactly what I want but there’s really not much choice, is there? I mean, there appears to be a lot but when you get down to it there is really very little.

“And isn’t it sad when finally you’ve found exactly what you want, then you discover that it’s exactly what hundreds of other people want too. It sort of spoils the specialness of it.

“I found it an exciting experience furnishing my first home, it takes a lot of time and thought, because you are imprinting something of yourself there. I think there is something of me in this flat, though it’s not exactly right. I long to have a separate dining room... well, what I really long for is a house.

Knows What He Wants

“I know exactly what I want. I can’t describe it to you, I could perhaps draw it. It is certainly nothing like the castles and follies I keep being offered. It’s a house I’ve had in my head for ages, I’ll know it the moment I see it.

“Till then I’m happy here. I look forward to coming home, that’s the big test, and my friends seem to like it and that’s also important because I love entertaining.

“Yes the Beatles approve - at least they approve of most of the furniture: they were a bit scornful about the antiques. Paul is very fond of the rocking chair, but what they all approved of most was the way I had their photographs framed. Cilla thinks it is all fab.”

[phantomtrader19]

Phantom London review 24/25th Jan

I had already booked the show on Saturday 25th to see Zoe on for Carlotta as I’ve always thought since joining the show she’d be a perfect Carlotta so to see her be bumped up as a cover I was really excited! After hearing an audio I was amazed and def had to book to see her so I did, I also decided I’d book for Friday too to see Eve as Christine as it had been about a year plus since I’d seen her and admittedly was not blown away unfortunately, I saw her debut and loved her vocally and then saw her on with Earl carpenter on his last matinee! I think she had an off day in the September 2023 show I saw but if I remember correctly she had just returned from illness or gone off ill after the show I saw but I heard great things and she sounded great from audios over the last year. I can confirm she was ABSOLUTELY STELLAR and I mean STELLAR,what growth!! The acting choices were just so nuanced and thought out and vocally was off the scale she was a completely different Christine to the times I’d seen her before, her wishing was stunning!! A top Christine for me for sure! Her low notes were phenomenal and her chemistry with Joe as Raoul was just fantastic! Her and Dean were phenomenal together and Eve portrayed quite a strong Christine which in scenes like MOTN and PONR you could see the phantom get nervous round her. (Their PONR was probably my favourite I’d seen) final lair was eclectic too, so many choices from Eve that I just adored. MUST get back to see her again!

I was sooooo excited to see Dean again as the last 2 show day he wasn’t on and the first time I saw him was by far one of the best shows I’d seen! Once again vocals absolutely blew me away, I think I can say vocally he’s the strongest I’ve ever seen! His performance is definitely not as aggressive as other phantoms he sort of immediately recoils when he loses his temper with Christine as if he is genuinely just not in touch with his emotions and how to control them. Overall loved his performance and can’t wait to see more of him!

Joe was brilliant as Raoul as usual really loved him as always! Great chemistry with Eve and phenomenal voice.

Zoe as Carlotta WOWWWWW killer vocals!! Absolutely adored her Hannibal cadenza so powerful! She was a very elegant Carlotta very poised and held her chin high which was excellently done! Just divine all round !

Adam and Martin as managers were great as always, really enjoying Martin’s take on Firmin very nuanced!

First time seeing Helen as Mme Giry as I’ve missed her every time I’ve seen the new cast, very lovely portrayal very stern and lovely vocals - great actress!!

Overall a phenomenal show from everyone!

On Saturday I saw a couple understudies!

Lily was extraordinary as Christine as always, beautifully smooth high notes, I just wish she held that think of me note slightly longer but I’m being very picky cause she was fantastic and her chemistry with Dean was great!!!

I got to see Fergus on for Raoul which was cool! He was a good Raoul not too much to say acting wise very typical portrayal, I think you can tell he’s done the role not even a handful of times, he did however have a lovely voice very strong!

Zoe was on for Carlotta again and she wa amazing again!

Samuel was on for Andre and he’s always great!!

All in all I had a fabulous 2 shows, I did take audio of both shows so please drop me a message if you’re interested in a trade and I’ll try my best to get back to you in a reasonable time!!

[consanguinitatum]

David Tennant's Plays: An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (1995)

I haven't done a thread on any of David's plays in a while, so I had some time yesterday to rustle one up about his 1995 play, An Experienced Woman Gives Advice. It premiered 28 years ago yesterday (which was why I chose to do a deeper dive about it) so let's get into it! An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (I'll use EW to refer to the play from here on out because what a long title!) would be David's first time performing onstage at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

Prior to winning his role in EW, the last play David had done was What The Butler Saw as Nicholas Beckett, a role he was warmly praised for. What The Butler Saw ran for two months at five different venues around England before closing its run at the Nottingham Theatre Royal in late May 1995.

EW's playwright, Iain Heggie, had seen phenomenal success with his 1987 tour-de-force, A Wholly Healthy Glasgow. But in the years afterwards, Heggie had produced only a few more plays before deciding he'd rather go back to teaching and let his writing commence at its own pace.

Originally written as a miniature sex comedy, EW was long in development, and received further script development workshops at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow in 1992, and at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 1993.

Its world premiere would see Heggie's return to the stage.

Initially, it might have seemed odd that EW - with its Glasgow setting, Scottish writer, and fully Scottish cast - didn't make its debut in Scotland. But because Heggie and the Royal Exchange had similar actor-centered outlooks and many of the artistic directors in Scotland preferred a more visual style, Heggie chose to work with the Royal Exchange (who liked his work anyway) and the play made its debut in Manchester.

Previews for EW began at the Royal Exchange Manchester on 21 November 1995, with an opening day of 23 November 1995. It had a small cast of five: Siobhan Redmond as Bella, David Tennant as Kenny, Jenny McCrindle as Nancy, Alastair Galbraith as Irving, and Alexander Morton as Stick. It was directed by Matthew Lloyd, and its assistant director was Marianne Elliott.

The set, which was designed by Laurie Dennett, was quite sparse - a communal back garden and garden shed of a block of Glasgow tenement flats. The music was composed by Paddy Cunneen, who fans will recognize from many other projects he did with David, some of which I've previously done deep dives into (like Sunburst Finish, The Pillowman and Bite).

The three-act play had a runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes, with two intervals - one 15 minutes in length, the other 10 minutes in length. It closed its run on 16 December 1995. Tickets were priced from £5.50 to £18, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The action takes place on two Sunday mornings and opens with Bella, who's a 39 year old teacher, gardening in her back garden. We learn she's in a three-year long relationship with a live-in toyboy lover, Kenny (DT) who's a former pupil and 15 years younger than her. And that he didn't come home the previous night.

Bella calls Kenny her "charming, fallible boy", and she treats him like one. Former lovers say he's "tall, kind of blond, with a lovely lean build" and "incredibly rich brown eyes." There’s "just no resisting him,” and he's "bastardly good looking.”

David in rehearsals as Kenny (from program of An Experienced Woman Gives Advice)

In a series of interruptions from people passing into the garden, Bella (Redmond) dispenses advice to the inquiring strangers Nancy and Irving (Galbraith), and learns Kenny spent the night with another woman...from the woman herself, Nancy (McCrindle), who doesn't realize who she's told. What Bella does with this information - and how her meticulously cultivated freedom of choice lifestyle shatters, especially given her first love, Stick (Morton) lives nearby - is what the rest of the play explores. We see love, lust, and lies play out as Bella makes her choices.

And there's a scene with Bella and Kenny...and sex behind the doors of a rocking, exploding garden shed!

I haven't been able to locate a production script of the play to see whether this scene was enacted onstage, but Heggie's published script book says this scene, where Bella strips Kenny of his clothes piece by piece before they go into the shed to have sex offstage, had some brief nudity. None of the play reviews I've been able to find mention any nudity, though one article about the play does state that due to "strong language and the sexual nature of the story, the play is not suitable for children under 15." (I don't know how much weight I should give this particular article, however, because it also calls the lead character "Maggie" rather than "Bella"!) Anyway, if this scene was included in the play, it would be the second known instance (the first being that now-infamous What The Butler Saw full frontal nude photograph) where DT was onstage in the buff!

Speaking of reviews, they were wildly different - some found it hilariously funny with barbed, sharp dialogue, while others found it fatiguing. David's "able portrayal" as Kenny was praised as part of an extremely talented cast, and his was called a "great performance".

David and Siobhan Redmond earned Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards (MENTA) nominations - Redmond for Best Actress, and David for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. They also earned British Regional Theatre Awards nominations; Redmond for Best Actress and David for Best Actor. The play itself was also awarded a MENTA nomination for Best New Play. Redmond won both her nominations; David and the play didn't.

Photos from the play are almost nonexistent. I haven't located any images housed in any archives anywhere...so far. That doesn't mean they're not out there, mind you, just I haven't found them yet! I did manage to find a few of horrible quality while digging around in newspaper archives (I'll refrain from venting here about the quality aspects of digitizing newspapers, as that's a rant for another day) but it's a damned shame. I mean, in one of these, David just looks like a David-shaped black hole with floating arms! Nevertheless, I'll leave them here.

Something else I found fascinating during my research was that, like many venues, the Royal Exchange had a tradition of scheduling at least one informal discussion with the director and members of the company for each of their productions. While I didn't find any information on whether a discussion of this sort occurred during EW's run, I have to assume it did. Ah, to be a fly on the wall for that!

And that, my friends, is pretty much the story of An Experienced Woman Gives Advice! I wish I knew much more about this play, but like many parts of David's theatre career, wide gaps in our knowledge remain. But I keep on looking.

Thanks for reading!

[fitzrove]

TdV Hamburg review!!

I saw two shows with the same cast (of note: Vincent van Gorp as Alfred, Kristin Backes as Sarah, Simon Loughton as Krolock) and hence feel like I have a pretty well-rounded view of this production (at least w this cast). I'm glad I went twice because things that bothered me in the matinee had less of an impact on the evening show!

TL;DR - Liked it a surprising amount though not sure how much of that is due to wishful thinking XD In any case, it's leagues better than Stuttgart 2021.

Spoilers/details:

- Sarah and Alfred both hear the "sei bereit" in nie gesehn and Krolock sings gott ist tot to both of them!!! The overall impression is that both are being tempted, Alfred just resists and hesitates more. Which I enjoy hehehe

- I like Simon's Krolock overall, he is a bisexual dirty old man with some Flair akdklsls. The more time goes on the less I like tenor/high voiced Krolocks but he had some great classical singing deep notes so he seems like a good mix, I'll take it. I couldn't altogether sense any Deep Depths Of Pain in Gier but it's ok, not my main fave number in the show anyway.

- Paolo Valenti as Nightmare Alfred is a highlight, and so were the other dance soloists (Ian Vrolijk & Kezia Coulson) tbh hehe. I love Carpe Noctem and they delivered. The choreography seems lots less straightwashed than in covid safety measure times (I guess I can excuse it in hindsight then, since it's proven temporary). Also I always love white vamp's slutty little black lace stockings hehehe

- Vincent van Gorp's Alfred was much better in the evening than in the matinee. I liked him from Sie irren onwards in both shows, but I really need Alfred to have enough of an "edge" to him, some level of seriousness in his devotion to Sarah, and in the matinee he just seemed cutesy and too naive. But his overall demeanor was a lot more to my liking in the evening (save for a few choices which must come from the direction, ie. he sulks and pouts after Sarah tricks the bath from him... I never fail to mourn the deleted verse where Alfred basically says he's into the teasing lol). Bonus points for what I read as lots and lots of repressed bisexuality in vor dem schloss hehehe

- TANZSAAL!!!! We get the best of everything: Alfred tries to run to Sarah at multiple points (most touchingly when she falls to the floor), only stopped by the prof - AND he faints during the bite >:))) and literally fans himself 😌 We also get a reluctant/disillusioned Sarah, which is my preference

- Kristin Backes as Sarah is great, she reminds me a lot of Sarah Brightman (in the poto music video which is all I've seen of her). Amazing vocals (even in roten stiefel which gets pitchy with so many Sarahs), convincing arc, no notes 😌

- Oooh another fun thing: Nightmare Solo 1 was covered by Herbert in the show I saw (Jonas Steppe was off so I had Andres Vercoutere, he did great), and Nightmare Solo 2 is a woman!!! (Anne Hoth). Very enjoyable, their voices mix so nicely >:)

- I had the pleasure of seeing Anja Backus as Magda once again (she was one of the big solid wins of Stuttgart 2021 for me, even if some other things in that prod were quite lacking). And idk I think everyone who sees her unanimously agrees that she slays 😌😂

- ANYWAY to return to individual scenes...... What sold this prod for me the most was the combo of draussen 2 (mostly in terms of Sarah and Alfred) and the electric finale (which you can't really fail at if everyone gives their all, which they did). In draussen2 Sarah was soooo fun (the switch seemed natural and hmm shall we just say that everything she did after that was pretty hot) AND ALFRED. Omg alfred... I really like how it went for him hehe, very bloodthirsty, lunges for the professor three times before Sarah stops him... The thing about this prod is that he kind of pulls Sarah close and they kiss super romantically (thats what I think I saw) before agreeing to maul the audience - which they go to do hand in hand. And like mmmmmmm this is why I watch this show!!!! It's about the Central Dark Romance (😂😎 sorry i'm annoying about my ship on purpose but omg I feel so vindicated) and the level of loss of morals and depravity it took to finally get there... ahhhhh

[d8nielaa]

hey love! how are you doing? i hope you had a great trip to new york and all is good!

i have a jason request...

my request is kind of inspired by your jelly cat fic but instead of a jellycat could it be a fuggler? i just recently seen them and i instantly was so curious to see a fic about it.

but instead of jason simply buying it for her could it be that it is the readers birthday and at her party her best friend bought it for her as a joke but she is scared of it but doesnt want to hurt her bestfriends feelings so she says that she loves it and puts it in her and jason's room on their bed and once they go to bed jason tries to take it off sneakily since he hates that thing but reader catches him and put it right back on the bed as something she sleeps with (LOL could not be me) so she decides to mess with jason and show how attached to it she is and takes it with her everywhere because she knows jason wants to get rid of it but jason confesses HE HATES THAT THING and reader has no choice but break and agree with him.

Authors Note: hai anon! Im doling great thank you so much for asking! my trip was amazing (aside from the part where I never actually got to see the outsiders 🥲 because of the matinee getting canceled) I would LOVE write this idea for you!

What is that?

Jason Schmidt x fem!reader

It was supposed to be a chill birthday party. Just a few close friends, some cake, and maybe a few drinks—nothing too fancy. But then your best friend, Jess, showed up with the gift that would completely derail the evening.

The moment you saw it, you knew something was wrong.

A Fuggler.

One of those bizarre, unsettling creatures that seemed to exist purely to haunt your nightmares. Its beady eyes were unnaturally large, its crooked smile stretching too far across its face, and it had a wild mess of yarn hair on top of its head that looked like it had been stuck in a dryer for too long. There was no denying that it was, in every way, hideous.

Jess practically threw it at you with glee. “I knew you’d love it!” she said, her excitement radiating as she grinned at the monstrosity in your hands. “Isn’t it adorable? I thought it’d be perfect for you!”

You stared at the Fuggler, forcing a smile as everyone else at the party watched with wide eyes, waiting for your reaction. It was awkward, and you had no idea how to express the horror you felt without hurting Jess’s feelings.

“Wow,” you said, mustering all the enthusiasm you could. “It’s… um, it’s so unique! Thank you, Jess. I love it.”

You couldn’t bring yourself to say anything more. The thing was a terror, but your best friend’s face was lighting up, and you couldn’t ruin the moment. You just couldn’t.

When the party died down a bit, and everyone else was distracted, you managed to sneak away to your and Jason’s shared room, the Fuggler still in your arms. You set it down on the bed, a small part of you hoping it would just disappear somehow, but it was there, staring at you with its unsettling grin.

Later that night, when Jason came into the room after showering, he paused in the doorway. His eyes immediately zeroed in on the Fuggler on the bed, and you could almost hear his thoughts—he’d probably never seen something quite as disturbing before.

“Hey, babe,” he said casually, though his gaze was still fixed on the creature. “What’s with the… uh, the thing on the bed?”

You sighed, trying to sound casual about it, even though you wanted to be anywhere but here. “It’s a birthday gift from Jess. She’s super proud of it, so I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “A gift? That thing looks like it crawled out of a horror movie.”

You chuckled nervously. “I know, but… I have to keep it on the bed. I told Jess I loved it, so it’s kinda… staying here for now.”

Jason made a face. “So… it stays on the bed? And you’re not gonna, like, throw it in the trash?”

You couldn’t help but laugh at the look of utter disdain on his face. “It’s not like I can just throw it away. I said I loved it.”

Jason groaned dramatically, but you could see the corner of his lips twitching with amusement. “You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”

You smiled innocently. “I don’t know what you mean…”

Later, when you were both lying in bed, Jason shifted uncomfortably as the Fuggler sat at the foot of the bed, its creepy grin illuminated by the dim light. He tried to pull the blanket over his face, clearly trying to block out the sight of it. You noticed how he kept tossing and turning, clearly disturbed.

Then, without warning, Jason reached out and grabbed the Fuggler from the foot of the bed. He looked at it for a long moment, clearly weighing his options, before deciding to sneakily toss it across the room onto the chair in the corner.

“Jason!” you gasped, catching him mid-action. You sat up quickly, a small laugh escaping you as you grabbed the Fuggler and placed it back on the bed. “What are you doing?”

Jason sighed, throwing his arm over his face. “I hate that thing. I thought maybe if I tried to move it, it would, like, go away. But it’s… it’s still here.”

You grinned. “Well, it’s here to stay. Jess would be so upset if I got rid of it.”

Jason groaned loudly, rolling over onto his stomach. “I don’t care how upset she gets. That thing is haunting me. I don’t know how you can sleep with it.”

“Well,” you said, smirking, “it’s not so bad once you get used to it.”

Jason let out a long sigh, clearly done with the whole thing. “I swear I’ll burn it when you’re not looking.”

The next day, you couldn’t resist messing with him. You took the Fuggler with you everywhere—downstairs to make breakfast, to the couch while you watched TV, even to the grocery store, just for kicks. Every time Jason saw you holding it, his eyes would narrow, and he’d mumble under his breath.

“Seriously, why are you doing this to me?”

You kept it up for a few days, even taking it on a walk around the block with you. Jason would watch you with a mixture of disbelief and annoyance, but he never tried to get rid of it while you were around. His patience was starting to wear thin, and you were loving it.

Finally, one night, after a particularly long day of you toting the Fuggler around like it was your new best friend, Jason broke.

“You know,” he said, his tone more serious now, “I really, really hate that thing.”

You stopped in your tracks, staring at him in mock shock. “What? You hate it? But I thought we were bonding.”

Jason shook his head, clearly defeated. “You’re killing me, babe. It’s not even cute. It’s like the creepy thing from my nightmares.”

You crossed your arms and pouted, trying to hold back your laughter. “So, you’re saying you don’t want me to sleep with it? Or take it everywhere I go?”

Jason rubbed his temples, looking utterly exhausted. “Please, no. I can’t take it anymore. I’ll never get any sleep with that thing around. You’re really gonna make me say it, aren’t you?”

You grinned, enjoying every second of it. “Say what?”

“I hate it,” Jason finally admitted, his voice a mix of exasperation and affection. “I can’t do it. I can’t live like this anymore. It’s ruining my life.”

You couldn’t help but burst out laughing, tossing the Fuggler onto the couch and wrapping your arms around him. “Okay, okay. I’ll get rid of it. You win.”

Jason sighed in relief, pulling you into a hug. “Thank god. I was starting to think I’d have to sleep on the couch just to avoid it.”

You smirked. “You’re lucky I love you. But don’t worry—Jess is getting it back. You won’t be rid of it for long.”

Jason groaned again, his face buried in your shoulder. “I’ll never be free.”

But even with that, you both knew you had to do something about the Fuggler. It wasn’t going anywhere. But at least for now, Jason could sleep without having to worry about it staring at him from across the room.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authors Note: someone please buy me a fuggler so I can bedazzle it

[nerdsworld]

REGAL SCREEN X 🌭🥤

OR

AMC IMAX 🍿🥤

I went back to see Alien: Romulus on IMAX after watching it on Screen X at Regals Cinema.

Basically on Screen X depending on certain scenes the movie will move up the wall and surround you which is interesting,but what would have made it better if the seats moved along with the scene.

There was a ride either at Great Adventures or Bush Gardens that we rode on,that played a scene from a jet pilot's position and the seats moved just as it would if you were flying the jet.

This was like almost twenty years ago but for $23.00 *matinee* (10:40am) this Regal didn't have seats that tilted back,or let your feet up on the foot stand, the variety at the concession stand was bleak, with a choice of over priced (small) tortilla chips and cheese,with a regular drink almost $18.00

I prefer watching movies like this on an IMAX screen,so I enjoyed it more the second go around and saw some scenes which apparently I missed while watching it on Screen X, go figure.

Saturday

08.31.2024

L.G

[mrsbsmooth]

Scripts - S7 - Episode 17

Movie Night!

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Love Island, where the Islanders are being treated to some matinee movies. Something tells me that these flicks won’t be blockbusters.But they might bust up some relationships! Break out the popcorn, ‘cause it’s time for Movie Night!

The girls are going all out with the glam for Movie Night.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You girls got ready fast!

UMA_HAPPY: I don’t know about you lot, but I was born for the red carpet.

UMA_FLIRTY: Bring on the paps!

Uma poses for the imaginary cameras.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Now that’s a girl who knows her angles.

BONNIE_IDLE: I never know what to do with my hands.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Just in photos though. I know exactly what to do with my hands the rest of the time.

Bonnie flashes you a cheeky smile.

VICKY_HAPPY: My go-to is hands on the hips. Can’t go wrong with a power pose.

VICKY_FLIRTY: Gotta show ’em who’s boss.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Speaking of showing them who’s boss…

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: What you going to wear, {0}?

SUMMER_HAPPY: Speaking of showing them who’s boss…

SUMMER_FLIRTY: What you going to wear, {0}?

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Oh my days! You look like a star, {0}!

{0}_IDLE: I have to admit, that looks amazing on you.

UMA_FLIRTY: We’ll have to remind the boys to keep their eyes on the screen…

UMA_HAPPY: ‘Cause you’ll defo be turning heads.

*TRYOUTFIT* This is the red carpet look!

BONNIE_HAPPY: Stunning!

UMA_FLIRTY: Great choice!

UMA_HAPPY: You’re going to be the star of the show!

I want to see my options

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m happy with this.

UMA_IDLE: You sure, {0}? We don’t know what’s gonna come out in Movie Night. I’d be going all out to distract from what's on that screen.

BONNIE_IDLE: She has a point.

I’ll try that outfit on again

BONNIE_HAPPY: Gorgeous!

UMA_FLIRTY: World class!

UMA_HAPPY: You’re going to be the star of the show.

*TRYOUTFIT* This is the one!

Let me check again

Maybe I missed something in the closet

I’m sticking with this

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m going to stick with this.

SUMMER_IDLE: Stick to what you like, I guess.

BONNIE_HAPPY: You look amazing!

UMA_FLIRTY: World class!

UMA_HAPPY: We’re looking glam, girls.

UMA_SERIOUS: But how are you all feeling about Movie Night?

I’m stressed

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I’m really stressed!

PLAYER_IDLE: Who knows what those clips will reveal.

UMA_IDLE: I doubt they’re going to be bloopers.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I wish they were.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Though I’d imagine most would be of me in that case.

I’m chill

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m not worried at all.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I haven’t done anything I wouldn’t mind everyone seeing.

PLAYER_IDLE: I think this’ll be fun!

UMA_IDLE: I wish I was as chill as you, {0}.

UMA_SERIOUS: I just don’t want another spanner in the works with {0}.

Pass the popcorn!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Pass the popcorn and bring on the drama!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I can’t wait to see what is revealed.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I hope it’s juicy.

VICKY_HAPPY: I have a feeling we’re in for some big surprises.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: The bigger, the better.

{0}_SERIOUS: I’d be stressed too if I were you, {1}.

{0}_FLIRTY: I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to.

{0}_SURPRISED: I’m shocked that you seem so calm about this, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: I would’ve thought you’d be worried about people finding out your secrets.Have you been having sneaky chats about people behind their backs?

{0}_FLIRTY: Or maybe snogging someone who isn’t your partner? What will we find out about you?

*Clapback at {0}

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Maybe you should worry more about people seeing what you’ve been up to, {0}.

PLAYER_ANGRY: Like sneaking around with Stephen.

PLAYER_IDLE: Behind {0}’s back too.

{0}_ANGRY: Well everyone already knows about that!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: But they haven’t seen it have they?

PLAYER_HAPPY: I bet that’s going to be a good watch. We’ll see how far you really took things.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: We only know what {0} saw.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: That’s all that happened.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: If you ask me, there’s more to the story.

PLAYER_IDLE: No smoke without fire.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Who knows what else you’re hiding?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m not hiding anything… really.

PLAYER_HAPPY: That’s just what someone hiding something would say.

{0} is lost for words.

UMA_SURPRISED: Wow! Remind me not to cross you, {0}!

Ignore her

PLAYER_SERIOUS: You have a lot of theories.

PLAYER_IDLE: I guess we’ll see if any of them are true.

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m not usually wrong about this kind of thing.

{0}_IDLE: Soon everyone else will see what I see.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Well, I’m not nervous at all!

BONNIE_IDLE: There’s nothing that could come out about me.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: Nothing too scandalous anyway.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Nothing scandalous anyway.

BONNIE_IDLE: You might see some embarrassing shower singing.

BONNIE_HAPPY: You may want to cover your ears!

BONNIE_IDLE: Anyway, me and {0} have always been pretty open.

BONNIE_HAPPY: No use hiding your feelings.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: I’m defo nervous.

UMA_SAD: Especially after Excess Baggage.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That challenge did cause a lot of drama.

UMA_IDLE: Maybe we’ve dealt with the worst of it though.

DAPHNE_IDLE: I can’t imagine anything coming out about Rafael.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: We tell each other everything.

SUMMER_SERIOUS: I’ll own whatever comes out.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Besides I have a feeling the boys have been a bit naughty too.

{0}_HAPPY: Time to face the music!

As the girls get ready to head down to the lawn, {0} comes in.

{0}_IDLE: Hey, {1}, just wanted to pull you for a catch-up.

{0}_HAPPY: Let’s steal a moment before the drama starts.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Sure, see you girls at Movie night!

You and {0} walk off together for a private chat.

As the girls get ready to head down to the lawn, {0} takes you aside.

{0}_IDLE: Hey, {1}, just wanted to pull you for a catch-up.

{0}_HAPPY: Let’s steal a moment before the drama starts.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Sure, see the rest of you girls at Movie night!

You and {0} walk off together for a private chat.

You and {0} find a quiet corner near the villa entrance.

{0}_HAPPY: Feels good to have a moment to ourselves.

{0} looks at you, a bit starstruck.

{0}_HAPPY: You look like you belong on the big screen, {1}.

{0}_FLIRTY: Watch out Hollywood.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: What’s on your mind?

{0}_IDLE: I don’t know how you’re feeling about Movie Night.

{0}_HAPPY: But I don’t want you to worry.

{0}_IDLE: I know it’s really early days for us. But, anything that comes out won’t affect what we have.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Really? <i>Anything</i>?

{0}_HAPPY: Anything.

{0}_IDLE: I mean, I came in as a bombshell. I totally get that you cracked on with other people before I got here.

{0}_FLIRTY: That’s part of the villa journey.

{0}_IDLE: I’m not going to let some clip ruin our coupling. And you shouldn’t either. I don’t know how you’re feeling about Movie Night.

{0}_HAPPY: But I don’t want you to worry.

{0}_IDLE: Anything that comes out won’t affect what we have.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Really? <i>Anything</i>?

{0}_HAPPY: Anything.

{0}_IDLE: I’m not going to let some clip ruin our relationship. And you shouldn’t either.

{0}_IDLE: I know you’re feeling stressed about Movie Night.

{0}_HAPPY: But I don’t want you to worry.

{0}_IDLE: I know you’re not stressed about Movie Night.

{0}_HAPPY: But I still wanted to reassure you.

{0}_IDLE: I know it’s early days for us.

{0}_IDLE: But, anything that comes out won’t affect what we have.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Really? <i>Anything</i>?

{0}_HAPPY: Anything.

{0} looks away nervously.

Are you hiding something?

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Why would you say I shouldn’t let what comes out ruin what we have?

PLAYER_IDLE: And why do you look so nervous? It’s like you’re hiding something.

{0}_SURPRISED: What? No!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Be honest. Is something going to come out about you?

{0}_IDLE: Absolutely not. But sometimes things can be misinterpreted.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I don’t want a misunderstanding to come between us.

{0}_IDLE: I hope you can believe me.

I believe you

PLAYER_HAPPY: I believe you, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: Thanks for explaining.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel a lot better knowing that we’re on the same page. I’m ready for whatever Movie Night throws our way.

You’re defo hiding something

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I don’t believe you, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: I defo think you’re hiding something.

{0}_SAD: I swear I’m not keeping anything from you.

{0}_IDLE: Hopefully Movie Night will prove that.

We’ll see…

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Hmmm. I’m not so sure.

PLAYER_IDLE: I guess we’ll see what happens.

{0}_SAD: Hopefully you’ll keep an open mind.

{0}_IDLE: And Movie Night will prove that I’m being up front with you.

Let me reassure you

PLAYER_IDLE: Don’t worry, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: A clip can’t change how I feel either.

{0}_FLIRTY: It makes me feel a little better to hear you say that.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Just a little better?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Maybe there’s something else I can do…

Give {0} a kiss

You pull {0} close and press your lips to his. He wraps his arms around you and returns your kiss eagerly. You both linger in the moment before separating. He smiles as he gazes into your eyes.

{0}_FLIRTY: Now I feel totally better.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I thought that might help.

You pull {0} close and press your lips to hers. She wraps her arms around you and returns your kiss eagerly. You both linger in the moment before separating. She smiles as she gazes into your eyes.

{0}_FLIRTY: Now I feel totally better.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I thought that might help.

Offer a hug

PLAYER_HAPPY: How about a hug?

{0}_HAPPY: I’d love that.

You wrap your arms around {0}. You hold each other and feel all your stress melt away.

{0} lets out a relieved sigh as you part.

{0}_FLIRTY: Now I feel totally better.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I thought that might help.

Tell a corny joke

PLAYER_HAPPY: I know! You need a laugh.

PLAYER_IDLE: What does a cow do for fun?

{0}_IDLE: Play the field?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Nope! Go to the mooo-vies!

{0} laughs.

{0}_IDLE: That was pretty corny.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Yeah, but it made you laugh.

{0}_HAPPY: You’re right. And it did make me feel better.

You hear chatter from the lawn.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m glad we talked.

{0} offers you an arm.

{0}_FLIRTY: Shall we?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s go to the movies!

You strut out onto the lawn where you find a giant movie screen. The boys and girls sit down in opposite rows of seats in front of the screen.Nerves and the smell of salty popcorn are in the air.

BRYSON_IDLE: I’m excited.

BRYSON_HAPPY: I’ve never seen myself this big before.

JOYO_HAPPY: Really? ‘Cause I’ve defo seen your head get that big before.

BRYSON_IDLE: Good, then you can really appreciate my handsome features.

You take your seat with the girls.

VICKY_HAPPY: What do you boys think we’ll see?

{0}_SERIOUS: As long as it’s not a sequel to Excess Baggage, I’ll be fine.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Excess Baggage 2: Even More Excessive!

TRAVIS_IDLE: All I know is, the movie better start soon.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: Otherwise I’m going to run out of popcorn before the opening credits.

You notice the screen flicker.

You get a text!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Here we go.

You reach for your phone and read the text aloud.

LITEXT: Islanders, it’s time for Movie Night: Matinee Edition! Take your seats and get ready to see your secrets on the silver screen. {0}SteamUptheScreen {1}EpicFlicks

A list of titles appear on the screen.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m curious about Flirting With Trouble.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Can’t wait to see who this one is about.

The first clip begins to play. It shows you and {0} looking cosy on the daybeds.

PLAYER_IDLE: And which team are you?

The scene fades in and out with snippets of {0}’s flirty words to you.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’ve had a little think about it.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m defo team {1}.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in a passionate kiss.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in each other's arms.

{0}_FLIRTY: Why don’t you stick with me for a bit longer?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I can stick around.

[Oof those of you on loyal routes who did this skkskgshsks]

The screen cuts to black.

The first clip begins to play. It shows you and {0} on the terrace.

The scene fades in and out with snippets of {0}’s flirty words to you.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: And I’ve never met a girl that’s as much fun as you, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah, you’re right.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: I get goosebumps whenever you look at me.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m interested.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: I know who my first choice is.

TRAVIS_IDLE: But, I really don’t wanna give too much away.

PLAYER_IDLE: Sharing is caring.

TRAVIS_IDLE: Why don’t we play a little game?

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: There’ll be a prize in it for you. I’ll make sure of it.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: You really are trouble, aren’t you?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: So they say.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Kiss me.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in a passionate kiss.

The screen cuts to black.

The first clip begins to play. It shows you and {0} looking cosy on the beanbags.

The scene fades in and out with snippets of {0}’s flirty words to you.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: The grafting is going well.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Just been doing the rounds seeing what’s what.

{0}_FLIRTY: And now you’re here.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’ve been saving myself for you. Warming myself up for the main attraction.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m just getting started.

{0}_IDLE: This chat can be the turning point.

PLAYER_IDLE: But you’re honestly still my first choice in here.

PLAYER_HAPPY: We’ve known each other from Casa Amor and what we have feels genuinely strong.

PLAYER_IDLE: We have to explore every possible connection in here. There’s still plenty of time to find something special with someone.

{0}_IDLE: I feel like I owe it to myself to be honest with you.

{0}_FLIRTY: To open up to you a bit more.

She looks you up and down.

{0}_FLIRTY: A girl can dream.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in a passionate kiss.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in each other's arms.

The screen cuts to black.

The first clip begins to play. It shows you and {0} looking cosy on the loungers.

The clip cuts in and out of your convo with {0}.

{0}_FLIRTY: Finally, someone I actually wanna graft with. I’m glad you finally came over.

PLAYER_IDLE: Whose bed will you be going back to though? That's the big question.

{0}_FLIRTY: I guess <i>who</i> I’m sharing a bed with will be my decision.

{0}_FLIRTY: But it kind of feels like I’ve known you for ages.

{0}_FLIRTY: And when we had that bit of fun together earlier. It felt like we kind of knew what the other wanted instantly.

{0}_FLIRTY: Like that kiss we had earlier. I can’t believe it was our first kiss.

{0}_IDLE: We had that lovely first date and I felt there was real chemistry.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in a passionate kiss.

The screen shows you and {0} locked in each other's arms.

The screen cuts to black.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I guess I started us off.

{0}_SERIOUS: Very interesting, {1}.

{0}_FLIRTY: I knew you were hiding something.

{0} looks down at the ground, avoiding eye contact with you.

{0}_SAD: That’s not what I was expecting to see.

Shift blame onto {0}

PLAYER_SERIOUS: {0} was the one flirting with me!

PLAYER_ANGRY: And I did not initiate that kiss.

{0}_SERIOUS: Sure looked like you were enjoying it though.

{0}_SAD: Yeah, it did.

{0}_SERIOUS: Well, I was there. And the flirting and the kiss were mutual.

{0}_SAD: Whatever.

{0} looks away from you.

Apologise to {0}

PLAYER_SAD: I’m sorry, {0}.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That must have been hard to watch.

PLAYER_SAD: I should have told you that {0} and I kissed.

{0}_SAD: I wish you would have.

{0}_SERIOUS: I should have heard about it from you, not on the big screen.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I know. And I really am sorry.

Deny it as a joke

PLAYER_SURPRISED: That never happened!

{0}_SERIOUS: We just saw it with our own eyes.

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was obviously faked.

PLAYER_IDLE: Could be a body double or visual effects.

{0}_HAPPY: Movie magic!

{0}_SERIOUS: Doesn’t seem magical to me.

EVAN_IDLE: Well, for what it’s worth I don’t think {0} did anything wrong.

{0}_SERIOUS: Not sure what it’s got to do with you.

EVAN_IDLE: We all came here to find a connection.

EVAN_FLIRTY: So, if you’re not exclusive, why not explore away?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, Evan.

Downplay the hug

PLAYER_IDLE: It was just a quick hug.

{0}_SERIOUS: It looked pretty intimate to me.

{0}_FLIRTY: Who knows what happened next!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Nothing happened next.

{0}_IDLE: It was only a hug.

{0}_SERIOUS: Even so, the rest of it looked pretty flirty.

PLAYER_IDLE: It was totally innocent.

{0}_IDLE: I hear you, {1}.

Apologise to {0}

PLAYER_SAD: I’m sorry, {0}.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That must have been hard to watch.

PLAYER_SAD: I should have told you that {0} and I hugged.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I know it’s just a hug.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I guess I just didn’t love watching it.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: But me getting jel is on me, not you.

There was more to it than that!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That looks way worse than it was.

PLAYER_IDLE: It was totally innocent!

{0}_IDLE: You did and said those things, no matter how they were put together.

PLAYER_IDLE: They were taken out of context.

{0}_IDLE: I remember it a little differently, but that’s what happened for the most part.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: But it’s not <i>exactly</i> what happened.

{0}_IDLE: I hear you, {1}.

EVAN_IDLE: Well, {0} did nothing wrong.

EVAN_HAPPY: It’s a hug. Why the drama?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, Evan.

Explain what actually happened

PLAYER_IDLE: We were just chatting. It was totally innocent.

{0}_SERIOUS: It looked pretty flirty to me.

{0}_FLIRTY: Who knows what happened next!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Nothing happened next.

{0}_IDLE: It was only a chat.

{0}_IDLE: Ok.

Apologise to {0}

PLAYER_SAD: I’m sorry, {0}.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That must have been hard to watch.

PLAYER_SAD: But it was just a chat, even if it did seem flirty.

{0}_IDLE: Ok, {1}.

There was more to it than that!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That looked worse than it was!

PLAYER_IDLE: It was totally innocent!

{0}_IDLE: You said those things, no matter how they were put together.

PLAYER_IDLE: They were taken out of context.

{0}_IDLE: I remember it a little differently, but that’s what happened for the most part.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: But it’s not <i>exactly</i> what happened.

{0}_IDLE: Ok, {1}.

EVAN_HAPPY: {0} had a chat with someone. Hold the front page.

EVAN_HAPPY: Why the drama?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, Evan.

PLAYER_IDLE: Why don’t we move on?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Yes, please!

{0}_IDLE: I think you’re getting off easily, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: But I’m sure this won’t be your last cameo.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Alright, leave it! Onto the next clip!

{0}_HAPPY: I want to see Al Loved Up

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m not sure I do.

{0}_HAPPY: I want to see Not A Bry Eye

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m not sure I do.

{0}_HAPPY: I want to see Jumping for Joyo

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m not sure I do.

{0}_HAPPY: I want to see Diamond in the Raf

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m not sure I do.

The screen shows {0} and the boys getting ready for bed.

{0}_HAPPY: I think I really like her.

{0}_HAPPY: Good for you, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: There’s something between us, I can feel it.

{0}_HAPPY: I can’t stop thinking about her.

{0}_HAPPY: I’ve never seen you this happy!

{0}_IDLE: I’ve never felt this happy.

The screen fades to black.

{0} beams as the other girls look at each other uncomfortably.

UMA_HAPPY: That was really sweet, {0}...

UMA_IDLE: But who were you talking about?

{0}_HAPPY: Me. Obviously.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Or, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah, he could be talking about me.

Uma leans over to you.

UMA_HAPPY: Looks like there was a part two to that clip!

UMA_FLIRTY: Want to see who {0} was talking about?

*I need to know!

It can stay a mystery

PLAYER_IDLE: It can stay a mystery for all I care.

UMA_SURPRISED: Really?

UMA_IDLE: If someone was gushing about how much they liked me, I’d want to know!

UMA_FLIRTY: And I’d defo want to know if they were saying it about someone else.

UMA_HAPPY: Sure you don’t want to see who he’s talking about?

*Let’s watch it!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Do you have to?

{0}_IDLE: I’m curious now too. Let’s see it!

PLAYER_IDLE: Yes! I want to know who he’s talking about.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Play part two!

{0}_SURPRISED: You girls had your pick!

UMA_IDLE: Yeah, and we picked a two-parter.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Time for the second half.

The clip goes back to {0} and the boys in the bedroom.

{0}_HAPPY: I think you’re blushing, {1}.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Might be.

{0}_HAPPY: Are you going to tell her?

{0}_IDLE: I have to figure out the right time.

{0}_HAPPY: {1} deserves something special. She’s an absolute worldie isn’t she? I guess I didn’t expect to meet someone like her in the villa.

{0}_FLIRTY: Someone who makes me feel like she does.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You know, when she looks in my eyes.

{0}_FLIRTY: Those eyes of hers, they make me feel all the feels.

{0}_FLIRTY: Like what?

{0}_HAPPY: It’s indescribable, boys. But I’ve waited a long time to feel it. Just hope she feels the same way about me.

{0}_FLIRTY: Awww. Look at you getting all melty.

{0}_HAPPY: Melty {1}.

{0}_HAPPY: But we’re happy for you, fella.

{0}_HAPPY: Yeah, bro, glad you found your person.

{0}_HAPPY: Me too, boys. Me too.

The screen goes black.

DAPHNE_SURPRISED: He <i>was</i> talking about {0}!

{0}_ANGRY: Yeah, we heard, Daphne.

SUMMER_SURPRISED: He <i>was</i> talking about {0}!

{0}_ANGRY: Yeah, we heard, Summer.

{0} looks over at you and smiles.

{0}_IDLE: So now you have the full picture.

Gush back at {0}

PLAYER_HAPPY: That’s so sweet, {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: I know I wasn’t meant to hear that convo.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But I’m glad I did.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m glad you did too.

{0}_SERIOUS: I could have lived without hearing it.

Play it cool

PLAYER_IDLE: Guess we solved that mystery.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Good to know, {0}.

{0}_IDLE: I hadn’t meant for you to hear that convo.

{0}_HAPPY: But I’m kinda glad that you did.

{0}_SERIOUS: I could have lived without hearing it.

You turn back to the boys.

PLAYER_IDLE: Your turn to pick, boys!

TRAVIS_IDLE: Hmmm. This is a tough one.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: But I think we should go with Estelle The One.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: But I think we should go with Willow He Or Won’t He.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: But I think we should go with Geri Much In Love.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: But I think we should go with Daph-need Him Back

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Do you have to?

{0}_SERIOUS: I’m curious now too.

{0}_IDLE: Let’s see it.

The screen shows {0} and Uma deep in conversation by the firepit.

{0}_SAD: I just felt so hurt after he twisted with {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: It was such a shock.

UMA_IDLE: How are you feeling about {0} now?

{0}_IDLE: I still think we have something special.

{0}_HAPPY: He’s the one for me.

{0}_SERIOUS: I tried moving on.

{0}_IDLE: But something keeps pulling me back to him.

{0}_SERIOUS: There has to be more for us.

The screen goes black.

{0}_SERIOUS: I don’t think that should surprise anyone.

{0}_IDLE: It’s not exactly a secret that I still had feelings for {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: Yeah, but it’s different to hear you be so open about it.

{0}_IDLE: You defo hadn’t told me all of that.

{0}_SERIOUS: We can talk about this later.

{0} looks over at you with an awkward expression.

{0}_SERIOUS: Next clip, please.

UMA_HAPPY: Dropping a Bombshell sounds exciting!

{0}_SAD: Haven’t we had enough excitement?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Maybe Travis and Vicky should be worried.

The screen lights up as the next clip starts.

Vicky and Travis appear on screen. They’re unpacking their suitcases as {0} stands nearby.

{0}_HAPPY: It’s been a rollercoaster.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: You seem to be enjoying the ride with {0} though.

{0} grins.

The clip jumps forward. {0} is gone and Vicky and Travis are alone.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: Who are you feeling so far?

VICKY_FLIRTY: I’m getting good vibes from {0}.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: Yeah, she caught my eye too.

TRAVIS_IDLE: Who else?

VICKY_IDLE: To be honest, no one. I’m only feeling {0}.

VICKY_HAPPY: She’s made a big impression on me.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: Sounds like you’re not afraid to step on {0}’s toes.

VICKY_IDLE: {0} seems really nice.

VICKY_FLIRTY: But I think I’m better suited to {0}.

VICKY_FLIRTY: Who are you feeling so far?

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: I’m getting good vibes from {0}.

VICKY_HAPPY: Yeah, she’s gorgeous.

VICKY_IDLE: Who else?

TRAVIS_IDLE: To be honest, no one. I’m only feeling {0}.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: She’s made a big impression on me.

VICKY_FLIRTY: Sounds like you’re not afraid to step on {0}’s toes.

TRAVIS_IDLE: {0} seems really nice.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: But I think I’m better suited to {0}.

The screen goes black.

There’s an awkward silence as everyone waits for {0}’s reaction.

{0}_HAPPY: At least you said I seemed nice!

VICKY_HAPPY: I meant it.

{0}_IDLE: Guess I should have stuck around.

VICKY_HAPPY: You should have. I needed help folding.

{0}_HAPPY: But seriously, I can’t blame you.

{0}_IDLE: Obviously, {1} turned my head too.

There’s an awkward silence as everyone waits for {0}’s reaction.

{0}_HAPPY: At least you said I seemed nice!

TRAVIS_HAPPY: I meant it.

{0}_IDLE: Guess I should have stuck around.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: You should have. I needed help folding.

{0}_HAPPY: But seriously, I can’t blame you.

{0}_IDLE: Obviously, {1} turned my head too.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: No wonder my ears were burning that day.

*Flirt with Travis

PLAYER_HAPPY: Glad to know I caught your eye from your first day.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’d barely unpacked and your mind was already made up.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I like a decisive guy.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: Easiest decision I’ve ever made.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: You made quite a first impression.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: And it's only got better.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Just wait. I’m only getting started.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: You know how to keep me on my toes.

UMA_HAPPY: You know this isn’t a private screening, right?

UMA_FLIRTY: We’re all right here.

PLAYER_HAPPY: We’ll continue this convo later.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: When we’re alone.

Travis gives you a naughty grin.

SUMMER_HAPPY: What’s up next?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: What’s up next?

{0}_HAPPY: Oh, it’s gotta be Uma-n Nature

UMA_EMBARRASSED: I can’t look.

The clip begins to play.

*Flirt with Vicky

PLAYER_HAPPY: Glad to know I caught your eye from your first day.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’d barely unpacked and your mind was already made up.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I like a decisive girl.

VICKY_FLIRTY: Easiest decision I’ve ever made.

VICKY_HAPPY: You make quite a first impression.

VICKY_FLIRTY: And it's only gotten better.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Just wait. I’m only getting started.

VICKY_HAPPY: You know how to keep me on my toes.

UMA_HAPPY: You know this isn’t a private screening, right?

UMA_FLIRTY: We’re all right here.

PLAYER_HAPPY: We’ll continue this convo later.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: When we’re alone.

Vicky gives you a naughty grin.

SUMMER_HAPPY: What’s up next?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: What’s up next?

{0}_HAPPY: Oh, it’s gotta be Uma-n Nature

UMA_EMBARRASSED: I can’t look.

The clip begins to play.

Suggest the boys pick a clip

PLAYER_HAPPY: I hope there are more clips of people complimenting me.

SUMMER_HAPPY: What’s up next?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: What’s up next?

{0}_HAPPY: Oh, it’s gotta be Uma-n Nature

UMA_EMBARRASSED: I can’t look.

The clip begins to play. Uma and Summer are chatting on the terrace. The scene fades in and out with snippets of Uma.

UMA_HAPPY: Oh my days! These boys! I knew they’d be fit, but wow. I can’t wait to get grafting. Rafael is mine for sure.

UMA_FLIRTY: But Alex is hot too. And Bryson. And I wouldn’t throw Joyo out of bed.

The screen goes black.

The Islanders erupt in laughter as Uma slinks down in her chair.

BONNIE_IDLE: I couldn’t tell, Uma.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Do you find any of the boys attractive?

UMA_IDLE: Very funny.

UMA_HAPPY: What can I say? I was really excited to arrive in Casa Amor!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You’re not kidding there.

The screen flickers.

{0}_HAPPY: There’s more!

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Oh no.

Uma and Alex are sitting on the loungers in Casa Amor. Uma leans over to kiss Alex, but he swerves and her lips land on his ear.

The clip ends.

ALEX_HAPPY: I regret that swerve now.

BRYSON_HAPPY: I wouldn’t have swerved.

Uma slinks farther in her chair.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Uma, you’re practically hiding under the table.

UMA_SERIOUS: I feel like hiding after that.

Tease Uma

PLAYER_HAPPY: You certainly gave him an earful. How did that kiss sound, Alex?

UMA_SERIOUS: Very funny, {0}.

Reassure her

PLAYER_IDLE: Don’t be embarrassed, Uma. You put yourself out there. That’s brave!

BONNIE_HAPPY: Yeah! That was a bold move. Good on you.

UMA_HAPPY: Thanks, girls.

Cause a diversion

PLAYER_HAPPY: Time for an intermission!

You stand up and stretch.

PLAYER_IDLE: Come on, get up!

The others stand and stretch.

{0}_HAPPY: Great idea, {1}.

Uma smiles at you, grateful.

UMA_HAPPY: Thanks, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Alright. Back to your seats!

Everyone sits back down, ready for the next clip.

UMA_HAPPY: I think I’ve earned the right to choose the next one.

UMA_FLIRTY: And I want to see Putting the Ex in Alex.

UMA_FLIRTY: And I want to see Kiss Her Bry, Bry.

The clip begins to play.

{0}_SAD: I’m sorry, Estelle. But I felt like I needed to give things with Uma a chance.

ESTELLE_SAD: I want you to be happy. But I won’t lie, this hurts. I thought we had something.

{0}_SAD: We did.

The clip flashes forward.

{0} leans forward and kisses Estelle on the cheek.

They lock eyes with each other, the sexual chemistry popping. It looks like they’re going to kiss.

{0}_SAD: I’m sorry, Willow. But I felt like I needed to give things with Uma a chance.

WILLOW_SERIOUS: I want you to be happy. But I won’t lie, this hurts. I thought we had something.

{0}_SAD: We did.

The clip flashes forward.

{0} leans forward and kisses Willow on the lips.

The clip fades to black.

UMA_ANGRY: Unbelievable.

{0}_SURPRISED: It was just a kiss on the cheek.

UMA_SERIOUS: It didn’t look that quick.

UMA_ANGRY: And it was the lingering stare that bothered me.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Nothing happened.

UMA_SERIOUS: Looked like you wanted something to happen though. You were coupled up with me.

{0}_IDLE: She was upset.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t want us to leave things on a bad note.

{0}_SURPRISED: It was a quick goodbye kiss. Barely a peck!

UMA_SERIOUS: It didn’t look that quick.

UMA_ANGRY: And even if it was, it shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

UMA_SERIOUS: You were coupled up with me.

{0}_IDLE: She was upset.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t want us to leave things on a bad note.

UMA_ANGRY: I can’t believe you did that then had that tantrum after Excess Baggage.

{0}_SERIOUS: Excess Baggage was different.

UMA_SERIOUS: I thought you were totally over her, but now I’m not so sure about it. Or how trustworthy you are.

Back up Uma

PLAYER_SERIOUS: You’re right to be upset, Uma. {0} should have kept his lips to himself. He’s going to need to earn back your trust.

UMA_IDLE: Thanks, {0}.

UMA_HAPPY: Glad you see where I’m coming from.

{0}_SERIOUS: I see where you’re coming from. I just don’t think it’s worth getting upset over.

UMA_SERIOUS: Then I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.

Uma and {0} look straight ahead, avoiding each other's eyes.

Defend {0}

PLAYER_IDLE: It didn’t look like that big of a deal to me. Besides, She’s gone. He’s with you now. Isn’t that what matters?

{0}_IDLE: Yeah! That’s what matters.

UMA_SERIOUS: No, trust is what matters.

Uma and {0} look straight ahead, avoiding each other's eyes.

Diffuse situation

PLAYER_IDLE: We’re not going to solve this now.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s move on. Couldn’t agree more!

UMA_SERIOUS: Fine by me.

{0}_SERIOUS: Me too.

Uma and {0} look straight ahead, avoiding each other's eyes.

BONNIE_HAPPY: {0}, why don’t you pick one?

{0}_HAPPY: I’m obviously going to choose Bonnie Voyage, Casa.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Bring it on!

Bonnie sits by the pool with Summer.

BONNIE_IDLE: We need a plan, Summer.

BONNIE_SERIOUS: We’ve got to make sure we make it back to the villa. No matter what.

The clip ends.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: That didn’t look great.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t mean it like it sounded!

{0}_SERIOUS: Sounded a bit sneaky to me.

BONNIE_IDLE: I was talking about not wanting to go home without finding love.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Summer can clear things up.

SUMMER_HAPPY: There were so many convos in Casa Amor. I don’t remember that one exactly. But I think Bonnie did say something about finding love.

PLAYER_SAD: Too bad Summer’s not here to clear things up.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: You all know me.

BONNIE_IDLE: I don’t have a sneaky bone in my body.

UMA_IDLE: It doesn’t sound like you, Bonnie.

UMA_HAPPY: I think there’s more to the convo.

Bonnie is here for love

PLAYER_HAPPY: I believe Bonnie. She’s here for love. I don’t think she was trying to be deceitful.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I really wasn’t.

BONNIE_IDLE: Thanks, {0}.

This sounds pretty shady!

PLAYER_IDLE: Well, your plan defo worked, Bonnie. You made it back to the villa.

BONNIE_IDLE: I swear I didn’t have a plan. I’m just following my heart.

PLAYER_IDLE: And it conveniently got you back to the villa?

BONNIE_SERIOUS: I said I didn’t have a plan and that’s the truth.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Should we move on?

BONNIE_IDLE: Yep.

We all wanted to come back!

PLAYER_HAPPY: We all wanted to come back to the villa. Bonnie was just saying what all the Casa girls were thinking.

UMA_HAPPY: I defo thought it.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Thanks for having my back, girls.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Time to get my revenge.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Let’s see Not a Bry-ght Idea.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Let’s see Oh No Joyo.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Let’s see A Real Trav-esty.

The screen lights up and the clip begins to play.

The clip shows {0} and {1} working out in the gym.

{0}_HAPPY: Bonnie’s really nice.

{0}_HAPPY: Yeah, she’s lovely.

{0}_FLIRTY: But Uma is way hotter.

The screen goes black.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Really {0}?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m so sorry, Bonnie.

BONNIE_ANGRY: Whatever.

VICKY_ANGRY: That was so disrespectful, {0}.

UMA_ANGRY: Really not ok.

{0}_SAD: I regret that.

SUMMER_ANGRY: Regret saying it? Or regret that we saw it?

DAPHNE_ANGRY: Regret saying it? Or regret that we saw it?

{0}_SAD: I never should have said it.

BONNIE_SERIOUS: That’s one thing you got right.

{0}_SAD: And I’m really sorry.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Plus I’m just as hot as Uma.

UMA_FLIRTY: Damn right, Bon-Bon!

{0}_IDLE: Why don’t you girls choose the next clip for the boys?

{0}_HAPPY: Or we can skip to your turn.

Uma whispers in your ear.

UMA_HAPPY: Why don’t you pick for the boys?

UMA_FLIRTY: Pillow Talk with {0} sounds juicy.

UMA_HAPPY: Might be pretty embarrassing.

*See Pillow Talk with {0}

Skip to the girls’ turn

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s just skip to our turn.

UMA_SURPRISED: Are you sure?

UMA_IDLE: Maybe it’ll stop her snarky comments.

UMA_FLIRTY: And it might show {0} her true colours.

*Expose {0}

Skip the clip

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m not interested.

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s skip it.

UMA_HAPPY: Ok! Our turn.

You turn to the boys.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I choose Pillow Talk with {0}!

{0}_ANGRY: I don’t!

PLAYER_IDLE: You already chose a clip, I haven’t.

{0}_SAD: Ugh. Fine.

{0} covers her eyes as the clip begins.

The screen shows {0} sneaking through the bedroom.

She slips into bed with Evan.

The clip flashes forward, showing {0} cosying up to Evan in bed.

{0}_FLIRTY: Just so you know, you’re a way better kisser than {1}.

The screen cuts to black.

{0}_SAD: I wasn’t sure what to expect.

{0}_SERIOUS: But I defo didn’t expect that.

Call {0} out

PLAYER_SERIOUS: That was so shady. You totally disrespected {0}! He deserves better. And you said I had something to hide. Seems there are two things projecting here tonight.

{0}_SERIOUS: This is between me and {1}.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: And Evan apparently.

Stay out of it

You sit back and watch the drama unfold.

{0}_SAD: That was seriously disrespectful.

{0}_SAD: I know.

{0}_SAD: I don’t know what to say.

{0}_SERIOUS: You didn’t seem to have that problem in bed with Evan.

{0} crosses her arms and goes silent.

{0}_SERIOUS: It was just something I said in the moment.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You said a lot of things in the moment to me too.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: And I meant them.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m struggling to believe that right now.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Let’s talk about this later, yeah?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Let’s not.

The awkwardness hangs for a few moments.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: What’s up next?

VICKY_HAPPY: I pick Recipe for Rejection.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: Wonder who this is about.

DAPHNE_FLIRTY: Wonder who this is about.

The screen shows Evan in the kitchen making breakfast. {0} saunters over.

{0}_HAPPY: That smells amazing.

{0} grabs a spoon and steals a taste.

{0}_IDLE: Mmmm. Spicy.

{0}_HAPPY: I like a bit of spice.

{0}_FLIRTY: Maybe we can heat things up later.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: I think these peppers are all the spice I need today.

EVAN_HAPPY: I can make you your own shakshuka though.

The clip ends and the screen goes black.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Wow.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t think it could get much worse than the bedroom clip.

{0}_SAD: Guess I was wrong.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Well, that was awkward.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: Evan, why haven’t you made me shakshuka?

{0}_HAPPY: Yeah, {1} isn’t the only one who likes spicy food.

{0}_IDLE: Though I don’t think she was just talking about food.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’ll cook for you all any time.

TRAVIS_IDLE: I like food so hot it brings me to tears.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Good, ‘cause I bring the heat in the kitchen.

{0}_HAPPY: I think {1} was hoping you’d bring it to the bedroom.

{0}_SERIOUS: You’re all hilarious.

SUMMER_SURPRISED: I thought I would have gotten a lot more screen time today.

JOYO_HAPPY: There’s still time.

JOYO_FLIRTY: Something tells me you have a starring role in Another Summer Fling.

SUMMER_HAPPY: Ready for my close up!

DAPHNE_SURPRISED: I thought I would have gotten a little screen time today.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: There’s still time.

RAFAEL_FLIRTY: Something tells me you have a starring role in Daph-need Your Love.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Ready for my close up!

Summer and Bonnie appear on the screen. They’re alone in the dressing room.

SUMMER_HAPPY: Oh my days! That Travis!

BONNIE_IDLE: He seems nice.

SUMMER_IDLE: Who cares about nice?

SUMMER_FLIRTY: He is hot as!

SUMMER_HAPPY: I’m glad he’s here.

SUMMER_FLIRTY: We could use some eye candy.

The clip fades out.

SUMMER_SURPRISED: What?

SUMMER_IDLE: I just said he was hot. No big deal.

JOYO_SAD: While you were coupled with me though.

JOYO_SAD: Would’ve been nice if you were saying that stuff about me

SUMMER_EMBARRASSED: I do say things like that about you! Just, not in that clip.

SUMMER_EMBARRASSED: Can we just have the next clip please?

SUMMER_IDLE: I want to see Dive Right in.

SUMMER_HAPPY: We’ll see if you’ve been perfect.

The screen shows Joyo and {0} sitting by the pool.

JOYO_HAPPY: I feel really good about Summer.

{0}_HAPPY: You catching feelings, Joyo?

JOYO_EMBARRASSED: Yeah, I kinda think I am.

JOYO_HAPPY: I mean Vicky is gorgeous, but she’s not going to turn my head.

The clip ends.

SUMMER_EMBARRASSED: That was really sweet.

SUMMER_SAD: And now I feel bad.

JOYO_HAPPY: I meant it.

JOYO_IDLE: I was feeling really good about us.

SUMMER_SERIOUS: Was?

The curtains on the screen close.

UMA_IDLE: It’s over.

{0}_HAPPY: Oh thank goodness.

Tension hangs in the air as the Islanders get up from their seats.

{0}_IDLE: Hey, {1} can I pull you for a chat?

{0}_IDLE: Sure, let’s go.

You watch as {0} and {1} walk off toward the villa.

{0}_SERIOUS: I think we need to talk, {1}.

You watch as {0} and {1} walk off toward the villa.

Summer pulls you aside.

SUMMER_SERIOUS: There was more to it. Just like yours, {0}.

Commiserate with Summer

PLAYER_SAD: Yeah, people really misunderstood what we were saying.

SUMMER_SAD: It’s not fair.

PLAYER_IDLE: Both convos looked worse than they actually were.

SUMMER_IDLE: I hope they realise that once things calm down.

PLAYER_SAD: Me too.

SUMMER_SAD: I’m glad someone else understands how I’m feeling.

Deny there was more to it

PLAYER_IDLE: The clip showed what happened.

PLAYER_IDLE: It was very clear.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: And clearly hurtful to Joyo.

SUMMER_SAD: I thought you’d understand how I’m feeling.

PLAYER_IDLE: Nope. Our situations are completely different.

Evan walks over to you and Summer.

EVAN_HAPPY: What a show!

EVAN_FLIRTY: Can I pull you for a chat, {0}?

SUMMER_SERIOUS: You go, {0}.

SUMMER_SAD: I need to go find Joyo.

You and Evan walk over to the firepit to talk.

Daphne and Uma appear on the screen. They’re relaxing on the roof terrace.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Rafael is by far the smartest, kindest person I’ve ever met.

DAPHNE_IDLE: He has such a beautiful heart.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I can’t imagine my life without him.

UMA_HAPPY: You’ve got it bad!

DAPHNE_IDLE: Guilty!

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I’ve started thinking about how we can make things work after the villa.

DAPHNE_IDLE: I’d make the move to London for him.

The screen goes blank.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: You’d move to London for me?

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Of course! I’d move anywhere for you.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: I’d move anywhere for you.

{0}_HAPPY: Guess we’ve reached the happy ending portion of the screening!

BONNIE_HAPPY: There’s still one more clip!

DAPHNE_HAPPY: For the grand finale, A Diamond in the Raf!

Rafael and Alex are chatting by the pool in Casa Amor.

ALEX_IDLE: What do you think of the girls?

RAFAEL_IDLE: To be honest, I’m not thinking of them at all.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: I’m only thinking about Daphne.

RAFAEL_IDLE: The way she laughs…

RAFAEL_HAPPY: The way she rubs my back before we go to sleep…

RAFAEL_IDLE: The way she smiles at me when we wake up in the morning.

ALEX_HAPPY: I get the picture.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: The new girls won’t turn my head.

RAFAEL_IDLE: I’m 100% closed off.

The screen goes black.

PLAYER_HAPPY: And they lived happily ever after.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: Certainly feels that way.

The curtains close on the screen.

BONNIE_HAPPY: What a nice note to end on.

{0}_HAPPY: Glad that’s over!

Some tension hangs in the air as people start to get up from their seats.

{0}_IDLE: Hey, {1} can I pull you for a chat?

{0}_IDLE: Sure, let’s go.

You watch as {0} and {1} walk off toward the villa.

{0}_SERIOUS: I think we need to talk, {1}.

You watch as {0} and {1} walk off toward the villa.

Daphne pulls you aside.

DAPHNE_IDLE: I just wanted to make sure you were ok, {0}.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: And I really think everything’s going to be fine with you and {0}.

Me and {0} will be fine

PLAYER_HAPPY: I think me and {0} are going to be fine too.

PLAYER_IDLE: The clip obviously didn’t show the whole story.

PLAYER_HAPPY: And I’m sure {0} can see that.

DAPHNE_IDLE: You obviously have a connection.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: Some seemingly flirty banter won’t change that.

I don’t feel good about us

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I don’t have a good feeling about us.

PLAYER_SAD: {0} seemed pretty upset.

DAPHNE_IDLE: Give it some time.

DAPHNE_IDLE: {0} will come around.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: You two obviously have a connection.

Evan walks over to you and Daphne.

EVAN_HAPPY: What a show!

EVAN_FLIRTY: Can I pull you for a chat, {0}?

DAPHNE_IDLE: You go, {0}.

DAPHNE_HAPPY: I want to go find Rafael.

You and Evan walk over to the firepit to talk.

You and Evan sit down beside the firepit.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie with that much drama.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Or at least not one that involved the audience.

EVAN_HAPPY: How are you feeling about the clips?

They weren’t so bad

PLAYER_HAPPY: The clips weren’t so bad.

PLAYER_IDLE: I think any drama will blow over quickly.

EVAN_HAPPY: I hope so.

EVAN_IDLE: I’d hate to see relationships get damaged.

EVAN_HAPPY: Hopefully everyone can move on.

What a disaster!

PLAYER_SAD: That was a disaster!

PLAYER_SAD: I feel like everyone is upset.

PLAYER_SAD: And things are so tense.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Yeah, it felt like a lot was revealed.

EVAN_SAD: Most of it bad.

My head is spinning

PLAYER_IDLE: My head’s still spinning after that.

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m not sure what to think, honestly.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: Yeah, it was a lot.

EVAN_IDLE: I’m still wrapping my mind around what happened too.

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m just glad my clip wasn’t too embarrassing.

PLAYER_HAPPY: What about that surprising revelation that you like to cook?

EVAN_FLIRTY: The others will never look at me the same way again.

EVAN_HAPPY: I hope that didn’t shock you too much.

EVAN_IDLE: Was there anything that surprised you about Vicky?

That she fell for me so fast!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: I was surprised that she fell for me so fast!

PLAYER_HAPPY: She’d barely made it into the villa.

PLAYER_IDLE: Her mind was made up from the start.

EVAN_HAPPY: And was that a good surprise?

Great surprise

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was a great surprise.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Who wouldn’t like hearing someone talk about how into them they are?

EVAN_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind hearing that about myself.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Can’t say it surprised me though.

EVAN_HAPPY: She was obviously into you from the start.

Total turn-off

PLAYER_SERIOUS: It was a total turn-off.

PLAYER_IDLE: She came off a little too intense.

PLAYER_IDLE: I mean, she barely knew me.

EVAN_IDLE: She was pretty decisive.

No, I knew she was into me

PLAYER_HAPPY: It didn’t surprise me.

PLAYER_IDLE: I knew she was into me from the moment she walked in.

PLAYER_HAPPY: That clip just confirmed what I already suspected.

EVAN_HAPPY: I think we all suspected that she had her eye on you.

EVAN_IDLE: Do you like that she was so decisive?

It’s defo attractive

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s defo an attractive quality.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Who wouldn’t like someone having zero doubts that they’re the one?

EVAN_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind hearing that about myself.

Total turn-off

PLAYER_SERIOUS: It’s a total turn-off.

PLAYER_IDLE: She came off a little too intense.

PLAYER_IDLE: I mean, she barely knew me.

EVAN_IDLE: Yeah, she fell pretty fast.

EVAN_IDLE: Was there anything that surprised you about Travis?

That he fell for me so fast!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: I was surprised that he fell for me so fast!

PLAYER_HAPPY: He’d barely made it into the Villa.

PLAYER_IDLE: His mind was made up from the start.

EVAN_HAPPY: And was that a good surprise?

Great surprise

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was a great surprise.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Who wouldn’t like hearing someone talk about how into them they are?

EVAN_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind hearing that about myself.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Can’t say it surprised me though.

EVAN_HAPPY: He was obviously into you from the start.

Total turn-off

PLAYER_SERIOUS: It was a total turn-off.

PLAYER_IDLE: He came off a little too intense.

PLAYER_IDLE: I mean, he barely knew me.

EVAN_IDLE: He was pretty decisive.

No, I knew he was into me

PLAYER_HAPPY: It didn’t surprise me.

PLAYER_IDLE: I knew he was into me from the moment he walked in.

PLAYER_HAPPY: That clip just confirmed what I already suspected.

EVAN_HAPPY: I think we all suspected that he had his eye on you.

PLAYER_IDLE: How are you feeling about Movie Night?

EVAN_HAPPY: It was pretty easy for me.

EVAN_FLIRTY: I guess that’s one benefit of being single.

EVAN_HAPPY: It was pretty easy for me.

EVAN_FLIRTY: Though I felt bad that {0} was embarrassed by my clip.

Your chat is interrupted when Evan‘s phone pings.

EVAN_SURPRISED: I’ve got a text.

The others gather around.

Evan reads it out.

LITEXT: Islanders, the public have been voting for their favourite clip from Movie Night… The Islander whose clip received the most votes will win a romantic date with another Islander of their choice. The winning clip is… Evan! {0}KissTheCook {1}SnackTime

{0}_SURPRISED: So, who are you going to choose?

EVAN_HAPPY: Well, there’s someone I’d like to get to know better.

EVAN_IDLE: I think their clip wasn’t a true reflection of them.

EVAN_HAPPY: {0}, I can’t wait to go on this date with you.

{0}’s face falls as Evan grins at you.

NARRATOR: Evan and {0} are set to share a romantic date. I’m not surprised. I knew he’d make his move Evan-tually. Will it be Evan on Earth? Or make tension in the villa Evan worse?Join us next time on Love Island for Evan more drama!

[theburntcity]

Ah, the final loops.

Spoilers below the cut for one of the last punchdrunk Burnt City Performances.

So, I got a last minute ticket becuase I had forgotten it was closing and ended up buying a premium ticket (free glass of prosecco, free cloaktoom, enter at any time) and I'm so glad I did. My last trip there was months ago and this trip let me see all the bits I wanted to before it closed.

My first loop was a partial loop. I came in about 3pm (idk what time a normal matinee started, but my ticket was for 3.15), and coming in I had thought - "I have to see Laocoon's dance to Gripir" and when I walked in, got oriented, the first thing I heard were the Gripir horns. I ended up seeing him first, although it doesn't hit the same without a full loop following him. It's still great! Its just not the same as I remember - which nothing ever is. I spent the rest of the loop with Polymestor, it was a guy I had seen before, who got uhhhh a bit assault-y with Ariadne/the trojan hotel worker/lime green apron woman. I wasn't sure if this was an actor's-choice or a change-in-direction change. Shrug. I find Polymestor interesting as the shadow of male violence hangs over the play and he is no exception. More later.

My second loop I did with Clytemnestra. I got there really early - I normally start my loops in the central troy square because I'm either going to or from somewhere and passing through. This time, I made it to the Mycenae side during the reset. The resets this time felt longer, maybe twice as long as the usual reset time/ The msuic wasn't longer - there was just more ambient waiting music afterwards.

I had never seen the early-loop Iphigenia-as-bear scene before, so getting to see that was new and cool. I actually never did a full Iphigenia loop, but I saw the start fo her loop with Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, and some of the end of her loop with Zagreus. I don't know why Clytemnestra stabbed herself and then Iphi with the antler from the shrine (something something the thing that hurts me will one day hurt you) but I liked the bear costume. I'd only seen it folded up and had assumed it was a bearskin but. no. cool!

Clytemnestra was tragic and beautiful as always; she also swapped cast mid-loop. Right before Sing Sing Sing (the wedding) the actress swapped to the woman I had initially seen as her, which was a nice way to tie it all up. This was the first cast change I saw, but not the only one in the show. Hades was a different guy to usual for Sing Sing Sing too.

I saw the Gods' duel, which is one of my favourite scenes,and at the end of the duel, another two gods came on, and they circled each other like they didn't understand what was going on. The first two left; and the others took over for the remainder fo the show; I suppose that would be the half-way mark as it was most of the way through the second loop.

I really enjoyed the disorienting effect of the cast changes tbh. I was too familiar with the cast and the set and the characters, I found myself planning loops in advance to best optimise my time there, but I sort of realised that this was less fun than the initial wandering I had done in my first few visits and before I made the map. I liked the uncertainty, and I also thought about the Commedia dell'Arte - a cast of characters mostly recognisable by their characteristic costumes and fulfinning the same roles every time.

My final loop I spent in Troy, mostly with Polymestor. It was a different Polymestor to the guy i had seen earlier in the show, his performance was softer, more vulnerable, and also a bit sillier.

I saw the early-loop stuff with Polydorus, Polyxena, the jacket woman and Kampe in Polymestor's club, it was sweet to see them all play together before they all died separately and sadly.

I also saw Polyxena and the jacket woman - I know she had been listed as Polyxena's lover, but this time I saw them meet and fall for each other. It would have been sweet if it hadn't been set to the music for Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me, which always raises my hackles. Not sure why they picked that music for what is otherwise a nice little moment.

For the first time ever, I saw Chronos* enter Polymestor's office and crawl over the table like BOB towards Polydorus. This Cronos was the previous guy i had seen as Polymestor in the first loop - I think, but I'm not sure because he had white and black paint striped down his face like war paint.

*Still not sure if it's Chronos god of time or Cronos the titan, and I never did his loop to find out.

I had planned on doing a full Polymestor loop but I was so surprised and confused by the appearance of a large story threat that I hadn't ever known was present - I left with Chronos. I followed him in a massive crowd (which was weird) but it turns out he immediately goes on to the 1:1 room, so everyone was following in the hopes of getting that. I didn't get it and I also didn't know it was going to happen until he went into the IIIIIIII room and left a bunch of people in the square. Oh well.

I went back to Polymestor, only to catch Polydorus doing Nautilus in PeeP which was nice. And then he died (sad) and we went into the standard Polymestor loop from there. One notable moment was when Polymestor had dealt with the body, he escaped to the tenements. In the kitchen next to the greenhouses, he took off his shoes and socks off - Polymestor wears lifts. Of course he does - he's the bull. He has to live up to the ideals of masculinity and power no matter how threatened he is.

Then he took his socks off and tied them around his mouth. He kept them there in the scene with Hecuba in the hotel bedroom. IDK man. I reckon it was the actor's choice and he was getting silly with it, but it did give me thoughts about this world's ideas of masculinity and vulnerability - I'll have to make another post about it. It's the minotaur on the floor of the club.

Polymestor left, had an interaction with the moustachioed guy from peep where it did super looked like he was getting his dick sucked in an alley, before heading to the Troy finale. I'm not gonna begrudge the man a quickie before his eyes come off. Troy finale slapped as usual.

I maanged to get over to Mycenae for the second finale, which was better attended than usual. The people from the Troy finale also made it over and did the same performance on the stone table. I was stuck on the balcony so I got a great view but was kept away from the action.

There was an extra post-finale bit for the final show (or, I think there's one more today and a final final one tomorrow), Hades (played by Sam Booth as usual by now - he swapped in before the last loop) stopped playing the record, (implying that it had been looping before) and discovered that there was a second side to the record. Persephone seemed more at ease here than I had seen her previously. Almost happy. The lights went down on the question of what it could be, implying a changed future for all the looping souls. I'm glad and a little bit weepy.

Then I left and dropped my phone, fully destroying the screen and jabbing glass shards into my finger. All things end.

[bereft-of-frogs]

I did not finish watching all of the Academy Award nominees this year but I made some progress so ahead of the show here are my unsolicited opinions:

Best Picture:

- Top Gun: Maverick - I had a lot of fun and it was so much better than a sequel to a movie from 40 years ago had any right being…but best picture? Really? I will always love plane go fast movie but I’m not sure why it’s up here.

- Women Talking - saw last week, it was OK. It was really well directed and the cinematography and performances were great but the script was terrible. If this wins a writing award I will scream. It felt like it was striving to say something profound but just ended up being really pointless. There are better examples of this genre than this script which literally has the line ‘not all men’ in it.

- Everything Everywhere All At Once - I definitely cried, this would be the popular choice, there is going to be uproar when/if it doesn’t win.

- The Banshees of Inisherin - the more I think about this movie, the more I like it. There’s such a great mythic quality to it, I would be happy if it wins.

- Triangle of Sadness - SO WEIRD. I liked it. Will never stop thinking about that dinner scene. It was so, so weird though 😆

- The Fabelmans - haven’t seen it, won’t be surprised if it wins and everyone is pissed, because my understanding is it’s a movie about making movies and the academy loooooves that

- All Quiet On the Western Front - I liked it but it did feel a little derivative and I think it’s going to be too bleak to win.

- Avatar: The Way of Water - if this wins I will be the one rioting. No I haven’t seen it. No I will not be seeing it. (I might have if I found the time before the awards.) I am one of the people who hated the first movie, no it was not to be rebellious and go against the grain, I just saw it on a tiny screen and was bored out of my mind and believe that if you have to say ‘well you should have seen it in the special format…’ it doesn’t deserve the general award. Technical awards, sure, but not best picture.

- Elvis - god this was so bad. I don’t even hate Baz Luhrmann as much as some people do but this was just all bad. Script was bad, performances were weird and overbearing, the frantic directorial style didn’t lend anything to the story. I feel like they just needed a biopic up here but omg it was terrible and I wish I had not watched it.

- Tár - did not manage to see this one before the show, I wish I had seen this instead of Women Talking but the theater was only showing it at matinee times for some reason. Probably won’t win but is probably way better than some of the others on this list.

International Feature:

- All Quiet on the Western Front - see above. Also I feel like there should be a rule about this, I don’t think movies should be nominated for both best picture and best international feature.

- Argentina, 1985 - this was nice. Pretty classic legal film but it was good and I would not be sad if this one won.

- The Quiet Girl - seeing on Tuesday! Will report back but even having not seen it I want it to win just because it’s in Irish #biased

- Close - didn’t manage to find this one, no idea what it’s about

- Eo - this was playing close to me but there ended up being a blizzard the only day I could go. Love Polish cinema though so I would like to see it eventually.

I don’t have many other thoughts aside from Ke Huy Quan should definitely win best supporting actor.

They’ve probably already announced awards before I posted this, haven’t checked, anyway those are my thoughts on what I managed to get through, hopefully I will do better next year 👍

[droughtofapathy]

"Welcome to the Theatre": Diary of a Broadway Baby

A Little Night Music in Concert

June 29, 2024 | Lincoln Center | David Geffen Hall | Evening | Concert | Limited Engagement | 2H 20M

All else aside, Jonathan Tunick's new orchestrations played by the 53-piece Orchestra of St. Luke’s were enchanting to listen to. There is a sublimeness to such a full symphony of instruments that we'll sadly never get on a Broadway stage again, owing to the sheer expense. But the tempo dragged, and the liberal cuts to the book muddied the story. And of course, rehearsal time is so limited for these special events. For what they had, it was a nice night.

And now it's time for me to be a bitch.

The casting for this concert was baffling from day one. The first mistake was casting an opera Diva and not an actress capable of musical theatre. Sondheim is meant for actresses who can sing, and vocal quality is far lower on the list than acting. While Susan Graham sounded lovely, her lush operettic voice is less suited to lyrics that require specific diction rather than soaring high notes. And she is just not up to acting this role. She is also 63, and while you all know I adore old broads, especially with greying hair, she would have made a better Mme. Armfeldt, at least in age, though again...not acting. She's fifteen years too old for Desiree. And Ron Raines as Frederick is about twenty too old for that. At least Raines did an admirable job of committing himself to the role and the acting. It mattered less that his strongest vocal days are past him. But their advanced ages unbalanced the whole narrative. The actress playing Anne was similarly too old, being in her late twenties, at least, though she did a fine job portraying youthful naivety. The girl cast as Fredericka was also a few too many years old, and her similar stature to Henrick made their interactions more charged than they should have been.

Marsha Mason did a better job than I think many expected, though not spectacular. Shuler Hensley as the Count was another odd casting choice, but he managed well enough. Cynthia Erivo as Petra on this final night did not live up to the hype. Perhaps because she fucked up the lyrics at the matinee and made the whole orchestra stop and start over, she seemed to be overcompensating tonight by relying too heavily on her script. She spent most of the song with her eyes trained on the pages, and did little to make it really pop. "The Miller's Son" is one of Sondheim's best, and I have seen it done many, many times. There's about 70/30 odds on whether it'll go well or not. This had to have been one of the least exciting renditions. It sounded beautiful, sure, but there was no euphoria for me. No delight at an actress nailing those tongue-twister lyrics. No joy and pride. Nothing memorable at all, not even a mistake.

What does fill me with some degree of pride is the fact that the strongest showings came from the two Asians in the cast. In a thankless role, Jin Ha was able to bring back "Silly People" (though it's clear why that song is cut because narratively it does the story no favors). Off-book, he performed the hell out of it. And Ruthie Ann Miles stole the show as Countess Charlotte. This is the role that you can really run away with, and boy did she ever. This dry rancor is her at her best. I adore her once again. (I had some...quibbles with her in Light in the Piazza, but that's neither here nor there anymore.)

In all, many mistakes and poor judgments from the producers deadened what could have been a night for the ages. Still, it was a night I don't regret. Though I wish I'd paid less.

Verdict: Well...I'm Glad I Saw It

A Note on Ratings

[phoenixdown-and-fairydust]

Just remembered the time I was in a high school production of Into the Woods, and one of the ways we drummed up interest to sell tickets was doing free preview performances, like a few songs at bookstores and cafes etc. However, one was a rather odd choice in hindsight; we did a matinee performance of Act 1 for kids at the elementary schools.

If you're unfamiliar/only have fleeting knowledge of Into the Woods, you might be going "Cinder what's so odd about previewing a fairytale musical at an elementary school?". Well, the SEVERAL VIOLENT DEATHS, MURDER, AND ADULTERY in the second act. Also, we left in the birds gouging out the eyes of the stepsisters with them running off stage screaming while being attacked by bird puppeteers. Also, even if we had cut that part, there was no way to cut out the foot chopping without making it awkward. We cut out the narrator's "to be continued" from Ever After for the kids performance and left it at the Act 1 everyone got their wish bit, but it was announced that this was only Act 1 of a two part show.

It occurs to me there were probably some little kids who badgered their parents into going to a full performance or saw the movie when it came out a few years later and thrown for a loop when suddenly the princes are cheating bastards and half the cast is killed off. The school probably was hearing from a few upset parents.

[thedarknessoftheendlesshss]

Adrian, a 234 year old dork who doesn’t keep up with popular culture