Bellapais and the London stage extravaganza.

[Marions]

Did anyone go to this>? And if so, what did you think of it. I have one friend who says the food was not quite as expected and that the 98tl might not hve been a fair price. anyone else any comments (anonymous o course, as always!). I should have gone, but couldn't, so am intrigued as to how it was - the standard of the food, the music, the artistes etc, eetc.

[metin]

I went, and the show was brilliant. The setting was magical, and the food was ok. I paid for the show anyway. Drinks were expensive.
Food was a set menu, although vegetarians were catered for I noticed.
Cold meze plate, all on the table as we arrived ..... hot pitta bread. Main was grilled chicken, rice and chips, bowls of salad were laid around the table for all to share, quite small portions for 10 people to share but hey ho.
Fresh fruit platter for dessert. Again, they could have been a little more generous.
Had a lovely evening.

[Marions]

thanks. anyone else? I have just had a list of the numbers, and wasn't it the same as the programme at the amphi last year? It seems it to me. Can;'t remember what the programme was at the amphi, but it was the same two singers - reminds me a little of Mariette and Vernon Midgley of years ago, but different calibre - and I am sure the programme was the same. am I wrong?

[metin]

Yes was the same repertoire. They have been invited back next year and have promised to change the show, thought hopefully we won't lose the songs from Phantom !!!

[Marions]

SOOOOO glad I did not spend 98tl for a ticket. I guess it is difficult to come up with a different repertoire. For me I just LOVE those songs from West Side Story My Fair Lady, etc, etc all of which were fab in the 1960's. Not so many relaly good shows since. Maybe the couple could do a bit of gilbert and Sullivan or light opera (they should be able to) or do some opera duets of the more well known - a touch of Nesun Dorma for all the residents of Bellapais ! we shall see.

[kiplet]

It was a brilliant night,magical setting and would def book again. Thank you entertain Cyprus.look forward to the next concert.

[cjtill]

We went and agree with Metin. The food was only just about ok and had to wait an age for the main course with salad and fruit not enough for the whole table. Drink prices extortionate.
The singers were wonderful and the setting magical but unfortunately we were stuck on a table at the back so only saw the back of the singers. We saw them at the amphitheatre last year and thought they were better there although I love Bellapais. I was thinking of going to see Grease but if we got stuck at a lousy table again it would be a waste of money.

[laptatony]

We went and had a wonderful evening, music was magic, food better than I expected given there was in the region of 400 people to be served! We saw them at the Ampitheatre and this is why we were so keen to see them again. Not really sure what others expect but for us well worth the money ! Well done Entertain Cyprus look forward to more events and hope you get the support you deserve.

[Marions]

It seems the only real complaints were about the food and I bet Kybele have never had to serve so many, even for big weddings. But for me, it was too expensive. The same show, with Bobby Davro and the GAU dancers cost far less - admittedly without the ambiance of Bellapais and with stone seats - but for me 98 is just too much.
anyway, I woulde not have had the chance to be dragged up on stage as |I was with Bobby davro! As Wilfred Pickles would say 'Ever had an embarrassing moment?'

[sunrise]

I also went to this event and thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening, I thought the restaurant did a brilliant job considering they had to cater for so many people.
The singers weren't at the Amphi last year, I think it was 2 or 3 years ago, plenty of time to have elapsed for them to sing a few of the same songs!
Bobby Davro was also about 2 or 3 years ago and the cost was £30, Stars of bellapais was about £34, ever heard of inflation? A fair price to pay for the beautiful back drop of the Abbey and a wonderful evenings entertainment.
I find it hard to see how anyone can criticise the show if they didn't even go to see it!!!
I could have listened to those two sing all night long and everyone I have spoken to, that was actually there, has said the same thing.
Well done Entertain Cyprus and Mardi Gras for bringing some much needed professional talent to the TRNC!

[Marions]

There seem to be some crossed wires here. the Bobby Davro appearances were for Children in need and was in fact two functions, the proceeds of which were for charity'
the evening of Bobby Davro at the Savoy was indeed £30 but the evening at the amphitheatre was £10for adults. (although I was able to go on both occaisons as part of my work

at the end of the day we all pays our money and takes our choices. Many people made their choice to go and enjoyed it- others complained about the food; others such as myself decided it was not for us. But having heard the singers before, for me it made sense for someone else to go and photograph the event.

Now if someone brought over ryn Terfel, I would pay through the nose to hear him over and over again! but i would not want a meal to go with it.See, we allhave our preferences. Just as well, or the world would be a colourless palce.

[LooseBoots]

I agree, the food was very disappointing. Enjoyed the singing but think, personally, I prefer the Amphitheatre.
The stunning scenery is as good as Bellapais, easier to get to, better bar prices. They just need to sort the sound system out.

That`s just my humble opinion though.

[Marions]

I hope the promoter of the concert reads this post. We had a chat today and he mentioned things I did not think were accurate. He said I ran down the show, so I have frantically been re-reading what I wrote. I don't think I ran it down, but shared my own thoughts and the thoughts of others. Some felt they could not afford it; I stated what I liked, and in fact think i might have come up with some reasonable suggestions on programme, repertoire etc.
But one quesiton he asked me 'What do people want?'. I know what I want and can't have it, but it could wlel be a help to them for the future (apparently Grease is coming later in the year) to know how people feel about programme, venue, artistes, price, with/without a meal etc, etc. I think I did share that I appreciated that it was not financially viable to bring many artistes over due to cost, ut I know there are groups etc which are very popular with folk here, and I am sure the promoter would be happy to have suggestions.
I have just had a day of being castigated for things I did not do (I always apologise if I have done wrong and offended) but if it means that things can be turned around for the good of all, then it has been a good day.
so come on, guys, write and say what you want - and let's hope this gets read (or I will e mail them the info).

So, do you want more Bellapais? Is Bellapais a better venue than the amphi? Do you want a nice ro mantic meal and music? Who do you want to hear? And perhaps it owuld help if people sai dhow much they are prepared to spend.