Same here. I went to see the new incarnation of it in Wembley a couple of weeks ago. It’s ok but nothing like the original and best. Making greaseball a woman, changing some of the main characters and replacing Popa with Moma were huge mistakes.
1:19 Edward's whistle suddenly blows & he screeches to a stop alongside poppa Martha: hang on you're from Sodor island what are you doing here? sunset shimmer: (gets out with Ryder) it's an emergency and we're so glad you're here to help us scoop: you bet, bob & I were just getting the little big club ready for rest when a selfish boy got all Sodor swamped with union pacific diesels Martha: (realises) hang on, you mean Thomas: (whistle blows as he arrives) ah Edward is this the new girl you're on about because if you take HIM!!! (chase stares down angrily with him, they're not watching their speed) poppa: 1:24 Ryder: and chase how many times I'm fine I mean (realises what's ahead) LOOK WHERE YOU'RE GOING!! greaseball: (imitates the blue lion scaring Thomas into a dip spin from roger Rabbit & throwing chase & Twilight sparkle out of the cab as he crashes, the two fly out screaming until he crashes Martha : I'LL CATCH YOU I'LL CATCH YOU!! (both grunt as chase lands in her arms) Twilight: (lands in Edward's coal bunker & Coughs) how many times have I told him to slow down rusty: are you okay guys? Martha: we're fine chase: yeah but Thomas is wrecked! Thomas: (Spits out soil & coughs) I'm okay, (Edward sighs to go get the winch) poppa: well lads (2:28) rusty: 1:31 chase: paw patrol police pup chase reporting for duty twilight sparkle: I'm twilight sparkle, princess of friendship rusty: well it's nice to meet you but guys (1:40) Edward: whatever can be the matter rusty: 1:44 Thomas: (hears having just been pulled out of the ditch) oh, I'd lend you mine Annie & Clarabelle but I'm a tad over reluctant to share them with Ryan or such rusty: well that's no good (1:51)
I was lucky enough to see this 3 times in its opening 2 years. My first time was just outside the inner track and then second time inside the inner track. Third time was nearer the back. It really was the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen, and we used to listen to the soundtrack at home REALLY loud! (" CONTROL CONTROL....!!"). The BBC torpedoed the press opening night. They were outside in a mobile broadcasting unit, and started broadcasting on the same frequency as the stage mic's during Stephanie's big number at the end causing mirth and embarrassment.
I saw it three times at the Apollo Vic and many times in other places. My first thought on entering the theatre for the first time was how the hell are they going to roller skate on such a tiny stage? The solution was pure genius... no point in describing it, you had to be there, and I was. 😁
Richard Morris just posted this on the Hayling Island Then and Now Fb group and it reached Stephanie's relatives within minutes. They are so greatful as they didn't have any video of their Grandmother. Thank you so much for posting this and for setting up the channel.
