Broadway Breakdown: West End Shows/London Trip (w/ Mom!)
Host: Matt Koplik
Guest: Danny Tickton Coplek (Matt’s Mom)
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik takes listeners on an engaging journey through his recent trip to London with his mother, Danny Tickton Coplek. Focusing on their experiences with West End shows, Matt and his mom delve into reviews, cultural observations, and memorable moments from their theatrical adventures.
Trip Overview
Matt and his mother landed in London on Tuesday morning, settling into a flat in Fitzrovia, conveniently situated near Soho and Piccadilly—the heart of West End’s theater district. Over nearly three days, they immersed themselves in London’s vibrant theater scene, exploring various productions and landmarks.
Notable Quote:
Danny: "[02:22] We're in London and I think we're adjusted to the time. Took like two days, but we're here."
West End Show Reviews
1. Comedy About Spies
This latest production by Mischief Comedy marks their West End debut, directed by Matt DiCarlo, a colleague of Matt Koplik. Set in 1961 London amid the Cold War, the play combines espionage with farcical humor, featuring spies, double agents, and a bumbling baker caught in the chaos.
Plot Highlights:
- A man mistakenly believed to be a spy for both Americans and Russians.
- An actor auditioning for James Bond misconstrued as a real agent.
- Elaborate set design with four distinct hotel rooms represented by different colors.
Performance Insights: Matt praises the physical comedy and the intricate plot, while Danny highlights the clever writing and ensemble work.
Notable Quotes:
Matt: "[05:25] ... there were so many twists and turns."
Danny: "[07:00] ... it's very elaborate staging does not take away from the humor of the piece."
2. Oliver
Matt and his mom attended Oliver at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. They appreciated the intimate staging and the blend of traditional and modern elements, though they noted some inconsistencies in casting, particularly with the Artful Dodger.
Performance Insights: The production incorporated elements from the movie and the Sam Mendes revival, enhancing the storytelling with updated scenes and songs.
Notable Quotes:
Danny: "[18:33] ... I pretty much loved it."
Matt: "[20:31] ... the cast is absolutely melded together."
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Set in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production, this musical adaptation explores themes of time and aging. While Matt found some aspects initially overwhelming, both he and his mom were moved by the emotional depth and the beautiful music.
Performance Insights: The show boasts a small, intimate theater setting that amplifies its emotional impact, despite some challenges with sound design and pacing.
Notable Quotes:
Matt: "[44:12] ... there's a lot that was poignant to me about this man when he was old."
Danny: "[45:01] ... I really enjoyed it, and I had a little tear."
4. My Neighbor Totoro
A theatrical rendition of the beloved Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbor Totoro captivates with its vibrant puppetry and faithful adaptation. The performance balances whimsy with underlying themes of family and loss, appealing to both children and adults.
Performance Insights: The live puppetry and physical performances of the young actresses portraying Mei and Satsuki were particularly praised for their authenticity and emotional resonance.
Notable Quotes:
Matt: "[49:15] ... Victoria Chen played Mei. She was nominated for the Olivier for this, rightfully so."
Danny: "[51:16] ... the singing could be a little bit stronger."
5. Dear England
This Olivier Award-winning play delves into the struggles of the English football team, exploring themes of teamwork, pressure, and national identity. Despite not being a personal favorite, Matt and his mom appreciated the production's design and performances.
Performance Insights: The play’s large-scale staging captures the intensity of football matches, but Matt felt it lacked the emotional connection he sought.
Notable Quotes:
Matt: "[63:49] ... the smoke was so magnificent."
Danny: "[65:22] ... it's a great production, but I didn’t feel much about the material itself."
Cultural Observations
Matt and his mom noted significant differences between British and American theater cultures. British audiences were more engaged and interactive, contrasting with the often reserved nature of American crowds. They also observed that British productions tend to foster a more organic and collaborative ensemble dynamic, which enhances the authenticity of performances.
Notable Quote:
Danny: "[25:43] ... the audience here were playing along. It was really like you were part of it."
Additional Activities
Beyond theater, Matt and his mother explored London’s historical sites, including:
- Oxford Tour: Although the Inspector Morse-themed walking tour fell short of expectations, they enjoyed the city's architecture and local attractions.
- Churchill War Rooms: An immersive tour into Britain’s wartime history, which they found both informative and engaging.
- Dining Experiences: From modern Indian cuisine at Ambassador Clubhouse to enjoying live music at the piano bar "The Room Where It Happens."
Notable Quote:
Matt: "[43:56] ... we had dinner at the Ivy. And then Saturday night, what show did we see?"
Danny: "[52:37] ... we had some great meals, especially the vegetarian shepherd's pie."
Challenges and Anecdotes
While the trip was largely successful, Matt and his mom encountered minor hiccups, such as overcrowded venues and less-than-ideal tours. Additionally, navigating narrow London sidewalks proved more challenging than anticipated.
Notable Quote:
Danny: "[43:19] ... we had some bumps, but not big ones mostly."
Matt: "[70:53] ... always have one or two tentpoles every day, and then we sort of improvise around that."
Conclusion and Recommendations
Matt and his mother concluded that their London trip was a resounding success, particularly due to the exceptional West End shows they attended. They highly recommend visiting London’s theaters, emphasizing the importance of reservations and allowing personal space during travels.
Notable Quotes:
Matt: "[71:12] ... give the other person some space every now and then."
Danny: "[71:25] ... it's nice to have space."
They also encourage listeners to explore the Discord Channel for further discussions and to leave reviews to support the podcast.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Broadway Breakdown offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of West End theater through the eyes of Matt Koplik and his mother. Their insightful reviews, coupled with personal anecdotes and cultural observations, provide a valuable guide for anyone interested in London's theatrical landscape.
For more detailed discussions about each show and additional insights from Matt and his mom’s London trip, be sure to listen to the full episode on BPM FM or your preferred podcast platform.