Ambassador Theatre Group
Kristin Scott Thomas Bard to the Bone
Simon Callow
summer 2011
South Pacific - Summer’s Hottest Ticket
Incoming!
It’s Dame Edna
Legally Blonde Urban escapes Sun, sea... and style Things to do, people to see
AmbassadorTickets.com
The Ambassador Theatre Group
best
2
s
of the
Sunglasses from Tods
1
£237 tods.com
3
s Just published - an intimate,
1 South Pacific
revealing and often startling
2 Dame Edna at the New Wimbledon Theatre
portrait of the greatest classical
3 Legally Blonde The Musical
actor of the twentieth century. John Gielgud: Matinee Idol to Movie Star by Jonathan Croall Methuen Drama £30.
s A triple whammy for Legally Blonde at this year’s Olivier awards where the show won Best New Musical, Best Musical Actress (Sheridan Smith) and Best Supporting Role (Jill Halfpenny). While still playing to packed houses at the Savoy Theatre in London, a major UK tour kicks off in Liverpool in July. AmbassadorTickets.com and atgv.co.uk s Be an early adopter! At the Royal
s Tipped for the top at London’s
Academy’s Summer Exhibition
Barbican this summer, and
members of the feted Royal
launched at the fabulously
Academy compete against new
theatrical Beaufort Bar at the
and unknown artists to have their
Savoy, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
work displayed.Most works are
South Pacific stars Tony award-
available to purchase. 7 Jun -15
winner Paulo Szot and Samantha
Aug 2011. Tickets 0844 209 0051
Womack. AmbassadorTickets.com
South Seas Sensation
1
All aboard for the greatest stage musical ever
The Power of Love
3
In the Pink
5
Bard Watching
9
Lad Culture
14
Island Paradise
15
Dive in to South Pacific style
11
Simon Callow on the man from Stratford
7
Attention Possums! Dame Edna’s on the look-out for a new Lord Mayor
OMG it’s UK-wide - girls go mad for Legally Blonde
Love and deceit - Kristin Scott Thomas in Pinter’s Betrayal
What’s On in London
8
Win a haunting night out at Ghost Stories
Ghost The Musical sweeps into the West End
Dangerous Liaisons
Competition
Hidden Gems
17
Best kept secrets of the UK’s top cities - summer with a difference
13
A life-changing opportunity in Glasgow
Ambassador Group productions
s Experience the British elements in style! Sawday’s collection of luxury camping places brings luxuries like wood-burning stoves and proper double beds to the heart of the countryside - no more deflated airbeds and damp sleeping bags. canopyandstars.co.uk
Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 8717 607 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 8717 650 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 8717 620 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 8717 648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 8717 647 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 8717 652 Richmond Theatre 0844 8717 651 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 8717 649 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0844 8717 646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 0844 8717 643 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0844 8717 645 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Southport Theatre and Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgv.co.uk Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jasper Rees, Natalie Anglesey, Al Senter, Nancy Groves, Benedict Nightingale, Victoria Kingston, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Ben Prudhoe Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Print The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.
Cover photograph by Lucy Williams
Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 Comedy Theatre 0844 871 7622 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630 Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631 Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687 Trafalgar Studios 0844 871 7632
Interview
‘Rapturous and revelatory’ New York Times
‘The Best Rodgers & Hammerstein in a generation’ Washington Post
‘This is ravishing, breathtaking theatre’
South Seas Sensation
Variety
All aboard for the greatest stage musical ever It was early in 1949. South Pacific,
yellow skies, stifling heat and smell
when America, in the words of an
story short.
from There’s Nothing Like A
the follow-up to Rodgers and
of war to the London stage since
officer, is ‘taking a pasting on two
As well as the original creative
Dame and Happy Talk all the way
Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
South Pacific
Hammerstein’s huge wartime hit
before the Coronation. Indeed, until
continents’. She falls for Emile de
team, the Lincoln Center
through to This Nearly Was Mine.
Carousel, had entered the try-out
the Metropolitan Opera revived it at
Becque, a French plantation owner
production also finds the Brazilian
‘The consistency of good songs is
phase before hitting New York.
the Lincoln Center in New York in
20 years her senior, only to reject
baritone Paulo Szot returning to
remarkable,’ says musical director
Late one night the production
2008 there had not been a single
him when she discovers that he
the role of the French planter
Ted Sperling. Many of its songs are
team was deep in one of those
major Broadway revival.
has sired a pair of cuties by a
Emile de Becque and Hawaiian
so famous they have floated free
eleventh-hour how-do-we-make-
However, that revival is the show
Polynesian woman. Meanwhile,
actress Loretta Ables Sayre as the
of their context, the likes of I’m
15 August - 1 October Box Office 0844 871 7615
it-better meetings that always
which is now bound for a UK tour.
fresh-faced Lieutenant Joe Cable
Tonkinese street trader Bloody
Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta
precede the launch of a new
With America back at war in a
is smitten by a pretty young island
Mary. ‘It is very difficult to say
My Hair and Some Enchanted
Milton Keynes
musical. Eventually the composer
distant corner of the globe and an
girl while serenaded by her
good bye to the part,’ says Szot.
Evening. ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein
Richard Rodgers cut to the chase.
African-American as president, it
souvenir-selling mother Bloody
‘It’s the best part I ever played in
are famous for using their songs
‘Fellas,’ he said, ‘This show is
seems to speak to audiences all
Mary in the show’s most evocative
my life. Emile was written for an
to advance the plot,’ adds Sperling,
Manchester Palace*
perfect. Let’s go to bed.’
over again. The awards which came
song, Bali Ha’i.
opera singer and it’s a musical that
‘but you realise in South Pacific it
For all its perfection, most
its way suggest that South Pacific
South Pacific is that rarity, a
I knew as a teenager growing up.
does it in a very subtle way while
25 October - 5 November Box Office 0844 871 3018
Directed by Bartlett Sher
Barbican
12 - 22 October Box Office 0844 871 7652
people who flock to South Pacific
may after all be the greatest stage
musical about contemporary
A more perfect match for me
preserving the songs’ integrity as
at the Barbican Theatre or on tour
musical ever written. It all starts
events. The book was taken from
would not be possible.’ The Tony
standards, which is quite a feat
this year will not yet have seen it
with the book, of course. Or it did
the loosely knotted stories of
Award judges tended to agree,
to pull off.’
in all its glory. There has been
for director Bart Sher: ‘I just read
James A. Michener’s Tales from
giving him the award for best
This lavish international hit
no big splashy production
the script. I tend to think in musicals
the South Pacific (which also won
performance by a leading actor
now making its long awaited
bringing the show’s chrome
the book is the most important part
the Pulitzer). After its Broadway
in a musical.
London debut features a cast of
and if the book is really solid you
premiere, where it played for
He will be joined onstage by
40 and a live orchestra. It swept
have a better chance of figuring
1,925 performances, the show
Samantha Womack (née Janus)
the 2008 Tony awards, played to
out whether or not the thing is
transferred to the West End in
in the role of Nellie. Samantha
sell-out houses on Broadway for
New Theatre Oxford*
going to work. And the book
1951. The gamine Mary Martin
has a good track record in musicals
two years and was televised across
was really great.’ It tells of Ensign
reprised her role as Nellie. But it
including Miss Adelaide in the
America. Sounds like you’d better
6 - 31 December Box Office 0844 871 3020
Nellie Forbush, an Arkansas nurse
lives longer in the memory as a
Donmar’s Guys & Dolls (one of the
book your passage.
stationed in the Pacific at a critical
tacky, over-coloured and musically
few other contenders for greatest
overdubbed movie from 1956 that
ever musical).
sold the darker elements of the
And then there is the songbook,
point in the Second World War
Supported by
Theatre Royal Glasgow 8 - 19 November Box Office 0844 871 7647
Bristol Hippodrome* 22 November - 3 December Box Office 0844 871 3012
Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk Interview by Jasper Rees
Paulo Szot and 1
Samantha Womack
The smash hit Broadway show direct from London’s Barbican
Photography by Peter Coombs, Joan Marcus and Lucy Williams
2
Interview
Comes The Rain Again and Would
are written by two musical heroes
to the original film as possible
I Lie To You, the collaborative
of mine. Dave Stewart wrote so
with Magic Circle member Paul
process has been stimulating.
many hits for the Eurythmics while
Kieve’s incredible illusions and
’Six times Grammy Award-
Glen Ballard composed Believe
Rob Howell’s breath-taking designs
winner Glen Ballard is one
for Polar Express, Ordinary Miracle
which morph from one location
of my favourite collaborators
for Charlotte’s Web, A Hero Comes
to another taking set design to
because, like me, he’s a creative
Home for Beowulf and Alanis
a whole new level. But people
musician willing to explore
Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill
who haven’t seen the film are
new things.’
album. Their music’s right up
also enjoying it!’
Stewart recollects, ‘I
my street and fits in beautifully
Amidst the after-show buzz
photographed Demi Moore on
with the story.’
of the world premiere Dave
the promotional tour for the film
The coveted role of pseudo
Stewart remains quietly confident.
and I’m convinced that this story
psychic Oda Mae Brown, which
‘Musically, I love the variety of
of eternal love has world-wide
won an Oscar for Whoopi
styles we’ve incorporated. Caissie
appeal because people today
Goldberg in the movie version,
Levy, who plays Molly the female
are still searching for a spiritual
is played by charismatic Sharon
lead and Richard have some
connection.’
D Clarke. A well-known figure
‘
powerful ballads while Sharon has a big, funky number and
We’ve stayed as close to the original film as possible with Magic Circle member Paul Kieve’s incredible illusions and Rob Howell’s breath-taking designs which morph from one location to another taking set design to a whole new level.
’
a great gospel song. ‘Manchester is the home of musicals and discerning audiences have given us the thumbs up but we’re not resting on our laurels. We’re already in talks with theatres on Broadway and in Australia but for now we’re
For soap-star turned super-star,
in musical theatre, most notably
concentrating on London.’
21 year old Richard Fleeshman
in We Will Rock You and The
Could this show be the new
(Coronation Street’s Craig Harris)
Lion King, she’s over-joyed at
jewel in the crown of the
playing the male lead in a
Ghost’s reception in Manchester.
Ambassador Theatre Group? ‘I’m
brand-new musical fulfils a
‘Every night is a delight on
convinced it has global appeal,’
cherished ambition. He left the
stage,’ Sharon laughingly admits.
Dave insists. ‘But my immediate
London cast of Legally Blonde
‘Oda’s a great character in a really
hope is that, although there are
to take the male lead of Sam
entertaining whodunit with terrific
poignant moments, audiences
Wheat, played by Patrick Swayze
music. I couldn’t be happier. We’ve
will enjoy the exciting musical
in the film.
had standing ovations every night
journey as well as finding it a
‘This role is a dream come true,’
and fingers crossed the same
unique and uplifting theatrical
Richard enthuses while being
will be true for London!’
experience. Judging by reactions
mobbed by autograph-hunters
Producer Colin Ingram is equally
so far, this iconic love story still
outside the theatre. ‘The songs
enthusiastic. ‘We’ve stayed as close
has a powerful resonance today.’
Dave Stewart
HHHHH
‘It lives up to the hype. Jaw-droppingly amazing. Ghost is no apparition - it’s the full five-star package and then some’ Manchester Evening News
‘Stunning special effects. Superb performances. A magical musical’ Liverpool Echo
The Power of Love
Ghost The Musical makes a dazzling arrival in the West End
Interview by Natalie Anglesey Photography by 3
Sean Ebsworth Barnes
‘What a marvellous reception,’
the composers and lyricists Dave
feel the love the audience has
enthused Oscar-winning screen-
Stewart and Glen Ballard. While
for this story,’ Bruce beams. ‘I
writer Bruce Joel Rubin as the
multi-Tony award-winning director
remember pitching the idea for
glittering, star-studded audience
Matthew Warchus rushed back-
the movie as a mixture of ghost
rose for a standing ovation at the
stage to congratulate the cast.
story and murder/mystery to be
world premiere in Manchester
The pedigree of the creative
greeted by looks of horror on the
of Ghost The Musical - prior to
team is of the highest calibre.
producers’ faces! However when it
its arrival in the West End.
Screen-writer Rubin (Jacob’s
became a global box-office smash
The euphoric cast welcomed on
Ladder, Deep Impact, Stewart
in 1990 and I won the Oscar, they
stage the creators of this magical
Little 2, My Life and The Time
changed their tune! I’ve loved
new musical which has been three
Traveller’s Wife) wrote the
every minute of this experience.’
years in the planning. Taking the
screen-play for the Hollywood
For legendary musician and
curtain-call at the Ambassador
film. He’s also responsible for
Golden Globe winning song-writer
Theatre Group’s beautifully
the stage adaptation.
Dave Stewart, who’s sold over 75
refurbished Manchester Opera
’I felt quite emotional on that
million records including smash
House, as well as Bruce, were
stage because you could actually
hits like Sweet Dreams, Here
Piccadilly Theatre, London
Ghost The Musical Starring Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy, Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Langtree Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at 4 AmbassadorTickets.com
Interview
been the London theatre’s gain
approach. He makes the words
it. I was told. Why don’t you join
and Scott Thomas has taken to the
become part of your body; it’s not
an amateur dramatic society?’
stage with comparative regularity.
all going on in your head.’
she repeats. ‘Yet in a way it was
From Pirandello’s As You Desire
The urge to act, evident in Scott
my own fault for not trusting my
Me, she played Masha in The Three
Thomas and in her younger sister
instincts. It was cowardice that
Sisters for Michael Blakemore at
Serena, is a legacy of their
had made me choose the safer
the Playhouse and gave her
mother’s ambition. ‘She’d been
option of teaching rather than
Arkadina in The Seagull for
offered a place at LAMDA when
trying for acting.’
director Ian Rickson at the Royal
she met a dashing RAF officer and
Paradoxically she feels almost
Court. Now she is reunited with
was swept off her feet. We grew
grateful to the person who offered
Rickson for a revival of Betrayal,
up in the middle of nowhere but
her such a frank assessment. ‘In a
Harold Pinter’s deeply felt account
we’d often be taken to catch
way, it turned out quite well’ she
of an adulterous affair among
things in Bath or even in Stratford.
says. ‘I ran away to Paris and found
the literary classes. ‘I think that everyone can relate to Betrayal since most people will have had experience of either betraying or being betrayed’ she argues. ‘The language is extremely simple and that makes it easy to understand and the eternal triangle is an archetypal situation. In a way, the play’s about male friendship and in some productions, it’s become more of a love affair between the two men. Our take on it is that it’s
‘
some direction. I was able to use
I think that everyone can relate to Betrayal since most people will have had experience of either betraying or being betrayed... the eternal triangle is an archetypal situation.
simply a very strong friendship
’
the fact that I was different in a foreign country to my advantage. When you’re a foreigner, you can be whoever you like; you can make a fresh start.’ Given the presence of The Three Sisters and The Seagull in her theatre credits, there are no prizes for guessing Scott Thomas’ favourite playwright. ‘Chekhov is absolutely fascinating and once you’ve done one of his plays, you want to do them all. My only sadness is that
and nothing more.’
I remember seeing Francesca
There is a strong rapport
Annis as Juliet at the RSC and
between Scott Thomas and her
that knocked me sideways.’
director Ian Rickson. ‘There are
Scott Thomas arrived at Central
Uncle Vanya. Doing Shakespeare
some directors you meet with
to train as a teacher rather than
would be terrifying. Besides, you
whom you feel you have an artistic
take the acting course.
have to wait until somebody asks
connection, to be pretentious
Understandably she still
you. And you need to have a
about it. Ian’s a really good listener
remembers the words that so
special licence, don’t you?’
and he can draw things out of
brutally dismissed her aspirations
inarticulate actresses like me. And
to perform. ‘You have no talent
I appreciate the physicality of his
and you will never be able to do
I’ve missed out on playing his younger characters such as Irina in The Three Sisters or Sonya in
Dangerous Liaisons The inimitable Kristin Scott Thomas
Interview by Al Senter Photography courtesy of Rex Features, Michael 5
Birt and Johan Persson
It’s the theatre’s equivalent of the
award for The Seagull and
international film profile, Scott
record company who turned down
acquired both an OBE and the
Thomas’ professional life must be
the Beatles. The anonymous
Legion d’Honneur, it does rather
a continuous series of alternatives.
functionary at the Central School
suggest that you know what
To make a film or do a play. To
of Speech and Drama who
you’re about. Not that you would
perform in English or in French.
predicted to Kristin Scott Thomas
guess it from a conversation with
To work in Europe or in Hollywood.
that she’d never succeed in the
Kristin Scott Thomas who raises
‘Not Hollywood’ she says quickly
acting profession must have spent
self-deprecation to an art-form.
and firmly - despite the CV that
the last twenty years wiping
Perhaps she secretly agrees with
includes Random Hearts with
considerable amounts of egg from
her Central School nemesis
Harrison Ford and The Horse
his face. After all, when you’ve
after all.
Whisperer with Robert Redford
secured an Oscar nomination for
With a considerable presence on
‘Let’s say we’ve parted company.’
The English Patient, an Olivier
both sides of La Manche and an
Tinseltown’s forgetfulness has
Comedy Theatre
Betrayal Starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall & Ben Miles Booking until 20 August 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7622 Online booking at 6 AmbassadorTickets.com
HHHH HHHH HHHH
What’s On
Buy Your West End Tickets Here apollo victoria 0844 871 7615
Wicked
Blood Brothers
Discover the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz. Winner! Most Popular Show Laurence Olivier Awards 2010
‘Exhilarating. One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times
comedy Theatre 0844 871 7622
piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630
Ian Rickson directs Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles in the Olivier award winning modern classic.
The dazzling new musical based on the phenomenal Oscar winning film. Ghost is a timeless fantasy about the power of love.
donmar warehouse 0844 871 7624
playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631
Schiller’s masterpiece of power and politics explores the battle between honour and corruption, between truth and betrayal.
HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub
duke of york’s Theatre 0844 871 7623
savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
Betrayal
Luise Miller
Ghost Stories
Direct from a sell-out season at the Lyric Hammersmith comes the most terrifying experience in the West End. ‘Awesome’ Jonathan Ross
With a cast of over 40 actors, singers and dancers. ‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard
the old vic 0844 871 7628
Richard III
The final season of The Bridge Project starring Kevin Spacey in the title role of Richard III and directed by Sam Mendes.
Daily Telegraph
Jeremy Dyson & Andy Nyman
Duke of York’s Theatre
Ghost Stories Written & directed by Jeremy Dyson & Andy Nyman Box Office 0844 871 7623 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
Starring Susan McFadden and Lee Mead HHHH ‘Blows other musicals out of the water’ Sun
Being Shakespeare
After breaking all box-office
reviews and has developed a cult
records on its opening at Liverpool
following among horror fans,
Playhouse and the Lyric
theatregoers and the general
Hammersmith, Ghost Stories burst
public alike. Just keep telling
into the West End in June 2010
yourself it’s only a show.
Betwixt!
and has been playing to packed
You have been warned!
houses ever since. So far over
To win, simply answer the
A truly funny musical comedy with sitcom-styled dialogue and a toe-tapping score.
130,000 audience members have
following question:
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632
screamed, laughed & jumped their way through the show. Ghost
Which of these is a famous ghost story?
Frighten your friends and scare
Stories is 80 minutes of thrilling,
yourself silly at Ghost Stories, the
chilling theatre you will not want
horror phenomenon at the Duke
to miss.
South Pacific
of York’s Theatre, London that has
The totally unique West End
had audiences screaming from the
show comes from the truly
Please return your answer,
The breathtaking Lincoln Center Theater production which reinvented this classic musical starring Samantha Womack and Paulo Szot.
balconies night after night. The
talented and dark minds of The
not forgetting your name,
prize includes four top price tickets
League of Gentlemen’s master of
address and telephone number
for you and your friends, pre-show
the macabre, Jeremy Dyson, and
to Ben Prudhoe, The Ambassador
Dutch Courage to get you through
Andy Nyman, co-creator and
Theatre Group Ltd, 39 - 41
this thrill-ride of a night and a
director of Derren Brown’s
Charing Cross Road, London,
goody bag including a souvenir
television and stage shows and star
WC2H 0AR or e-mail benprudhoe
brochure, house programme and
of Dead Set and Severance.
@theambassadors.com before
exclusive Ghost Stories mug.
Ghost Stories received rave
27 June 2011.
bARBICAN 0844 871 7615
Book your tickets online at AmbassadorTickets.com *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
Metro
Legally Blonde The Musical
‘Callow and Shakespeare: a brilliant combination’ Times Simon Callow brings to life Shakespeare’s world in this magnificent new play.
The Lion King
Daily Mail
thumping fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph
One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail
Disney’s
‘Brilliant and deeply unsettling’
Dreamboats and Petticoats
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0844 871 7632
lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615
‘I had to sleep with the lights on. A top night out’
Ghost The Musical
fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626
The Woman in Black
7
phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629
‘A pant-wetter of a night. It’s terrifying’
Competition
Little House on the Prairie
due ntil 16 July u d e d n e t x E d! enal deman to phenom
Sleepy Hollow Cinderella
TERMS AND CONDITIONS One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (all performances until 16 July) to see Ghost Stories at the Duke of York’s Theatre plus one goody-bag, house programme and pre-show bottle of house wine. Prize is subject to availability, nontransferable and non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.
8
Feature
sorority girl who heads to Harvard
Cried and laughed so happily.’
and @LegBlondeUKTour) more
to win back the doofus boyfriend
Also spied in the Savoy stalls: Sir
than 5000 followers. Did Mitchell
who dumped her for being more
Bob Geldof, Kristin Scott Thomas
ever dream little Miss Woods
Marilyn than Jackie O. But in
and David Tennant. The Time Lord
would inspire such devotion?
writing their musical, Laurence
has been three times!
‘I have always had a bit of pink
O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and
Carrie Dunn has a theory: ‘I
in my blood,’ he smiles. ‘It’s one
Heather Hatch took all the best
know this sounds strange but I
reason I fell in love with Elle
lines from the movie - ‘Omigod,
think Legally Blonde is a very
Woods and Legally Blonde. I also
Warner! I totally forgot you go
British show and Elle is very British
saw an opportunity to tell a story
here’ - before adding new zingers,
kind of heroine.’ Self-confessed
to young people about respect
wrapped up in a score that ranges
superfan Sarah Overfield agrees.
and love. And for that I am
from R&B balladry to Riverdance
She recently attended her 70th
grateful and proud to bring
pastiche, but never forgets the
performance, a year to the day
this musical to so many.’
tale it is telling.
after a friend first bought her
‘At its core, Legally Blonde is a
tickets. What keeps her coming
love story about an underdog who
back? ‘It’s always the same
succeeds,’ says Mitchell. ‘That is
storyline but it’s never the same
something we all desire! But good
show,’ she says. ‘It’s got everything:
Photography by 9
Ellie Kurttz
Liverpool Empire* 8 - 16 July Box Office 0844 871 3017
comedy, sadness, happiness... dogs.
a story that is relatable and well
than any of the performers who
told and continues to surprise an
play her.’
19 July - 6 August Box Office 0844 871 3012
audience.’
Overfield also cites the
Carrie Dunn, UK editor of
cast’s engagement with
York Grand Opera House*
broadwayworld.com, agrees. Dunn
fans - on stage, at the
has lost count of the number of
stage door and online.
performances she has seen. ‘It’s my
The show’s Facebook
go to show, my pick-me-up,’ she
group has 45,000
says. ‘More than any other, it’s a
members and its Twitter
feel-good show. People use the
streams (@LBTheMusical
It’s my go to show, my pick-me-up. More than any other, it’s a feel-good show. People use the words feel-good, lightweight or fluffy like it’s a bad thing. But the joy of Legally Blonde is really hard to fight against.
fluffy like it’s a bad thing. But the joy of Legally Blonde is really hard to fight against. Even the critics loved it.’ Never mind the Greek Chorus of Delta Nu. When Legally Blonde opened, it was the critics who ‘Omigod!’ cried Charles Spencer
Nancy Groves
On Tour
Elle is larger than life, and larger
turned into cheerleaders.
Interview by
Starring Susan McFadden & Lee Mead Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
writing is good writing. Any show
words feel-good, lightweight or
Legally Legally Blonde Blonde -- painting painting the the town town pink pink from from Glasgow Glasgow to to Torquay Torquay
Legally Blonde The Musical
will play again and again if it has
‘ in the Pink
Savoy Theatre
’
Bristol Hippodrome*
9 - 20 August Box Office 0844 871 3024
Glasgow Theatre Royal 23 August - 3 September Box Office 0844 871 7647
Edinburgh Playhouse* 6 - 17 September Box Office 0844 871 3014
Regent Theatre Stoke 20 September - 1 October Box Office 0844 871 7649
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham* 4 - 15 October Box Office 0844 871 3011
Manchester Opera House* 18 - 29 October Box Office 0844 871 3018
When Broadway director Jerry
more than half a million people at
Broadway, at the show’s try-outs
in The Telegraph. And Caroline
Mitchell approached Sheridan
London’s beautiful Savoy Theatre,
in San Francisco. ‘There were
McGinn in Time Out. And Paul
Smith at the 2009 Olivier Awards
with many audience members
standing ovations from the first
Taylor in The Independent. ‘There
to talk Legally Blonde The Musical,
returning again and again to see
performance,’ he says, ‘but I will
aren’t many Broadway shows with
neither party dreamt they would
Elle’s journey from Valley Girl to
never forget after our first
songs that make reference to the
be back two years later collecting
Valedictorian. And now a new cast
Saturday matinee Laura Bell Bundy
philosophy of Thomas Hobbes in
Sunderland Empire*
their own Oliviers for Best Musical
is taking it out on tour across the
(the original US Elle) surrounded
intricately rhymed stanzas,’ wrote
6 - 31 December Box Office 0844 871 3022
and Best Actress in a Musical
UK, painting towns pink all the
by at least 200 girls wanting to get
Taylor. ‘I’m like so totally going
respectively. But such is the Legally
way from Glasgow to Torquay.
her autograph. I knew then we
again.’
Blonde phenomenon, conquering
As well as three Oliviers, Legally
had created an Elle Woods for
He’s not the only one. As Elle
the West End in much the same
Blonde has also won four
the stage that would be around
sings: ‘Even a person who is smart
way as its heroine, Elle Woods,
Whatsonstage.com awards, voted
for a while.’
can listen to their heart.’ And they
conquers Harvard Law School -
for by the public. What is the
Of course, Elle already had a
don’t get much smarter than
with wit, charm and a big
show’s secret?
fan-base from the original Legally
Stephen Fry, who tweeted after his
thumping heart.
Mitchell says he knew he had
Blonde film, starring Reese
first trip: ‘Just seen Legally Blonde.
The show has been seen by
a hit on his hands even before
Witherspoon as the Californian
As good a show as I’ve EVER seen...
Princess Theatre Torquay* 8 - 19 November Box Office 0844 871 3023
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 31 January - 11 February 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7607 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk
10
Interview
HHHH
property and so on, we know little
plenty. It tells us something about
actually doing is loving his wife.
about the inner man except what
boyhood in Jacobean times and,
She’s an older woman, she became
can be inferred from the plays.
transcending that, about boyhood
pregnant, he married exceptionally
Dickens left a zillion letters, as
now. And it shows Shakespeare’s
young. That suggests it was a
Callow knows to his cost, since he’s
understanding of what it means
passionate liaison. Yes, it could
now writing a short biography of
to be a boy and a parent as well
have been a shotgun wedding,
the novelist; Shakespeare, none.
as his genius for characterisation
but we’ve gone the romantic way.’
So he couldn’t opt for the kind of
and dialogue.
That’s a pretty contentious
solo show he has disliked since
All that is at the core of a show
assumption - in his one-man
seeing an unnamed actor base
in which Shakespeare is very much
Shakespeare show Ian McKellen
one on Melville and Moby Dick
the boy, youth, citizen, actor and
cynically dared his audience to
feeling it was like ‘a favourite
dramatist from the lower-middle-
name a single happy marriage
uncle going beserk at a Christmas
class Midlands. Indeed, the original
in all the plays - but it reflects the
party’. He wouldn’t pretend
title was The Man from Stratford,
good nature of Callow and indeed,
‘
bard Watching
Simon Callow’s new show puts Shakespeare centre stage
Interview by Benedict Nightingale Photography by 11
Andy Weeks
When he was thinking of a follow-up to the solo shows he’d already based on Wilde and Dickens, what writer fitted the bill better than the great but unpretentious Elizabethan ‘whose characters are so fully imagined, so precisely expressed, so true you feel he must have seen and known them’?
’
actually to be Shakespeare, still
a deliberately defiant riposte
of his and Bate’s play. They
less start by plonkingly announcing
to the eccentrics, snobs and
don’t neglect the dark stuff but
‘I was born on April 23 1564’.
conspiracy theorists who think
they want their audiences and
Instead he’d become what he calls
that the dry Francis Bacon or the
especially newcomers to
a ‘shapeshifter’: a narrator who,
Earl of Oxford, who died before
Shakespeare to leave the theatre
without switching costumes or
Shakespeare’s greatest plays
feeling that, far from being an
Though he has taken
Being Shakespeare, which was
children murdered and dead men
attempting funny voices, would
appeared, was the author of
inaccessible genius, the Immortal
Shakespeare’s sonnets in a glorious
one of the Edinburgh Festival’s
walking’. So when he was thinking
‘change in front of your very eyes’
Hamlet and Lear. ‘As if nobody
Bard is their friend and more
joblot all over the world, Simon
successes last year and previews
of a follow-up to the solo shows
as he embodied characters and
from a small provincial town could
than their friend:
Callow has played relatively few
at the Trafalgar Studios in June.
he’d already based on Wilde and
delivered lines that illuminated
possibly do anything of value,’
‘We want to put the human
Shakespeare characters: the
Callow’s love of Shakespeare
Dickens, what writer fitted the
the narrative.
expostulates Callow. ‘Well, my
dimension into Shakespeare. We
lovelorn Orlando in his youth, an
dates from way, way back. In
bill better than the great but
Since the show’s framework is
answer to that is that Jesus was
want to give them someone who
interestingly romantic Toby Belch
My Life in Pieces, the wonderfully
unpretentious Elizabethan ‘whose
Jacques’ famous speech about the
The Man from Bethlehem.’
was a person, not a scholar or a
earlier this year, little else. Well,
readable ‘alternative
characters are so fully imagined,
seven ages of man in As You Like It
‘Our contention is that before
great aristocrat. We want them
compensation has now come in
autobiography’ he published last
so precisely expressed, so true
- whining schoolboy, soldier, lover,
walking to London he stayed in
to meet Shakespeare the artist,
the one-man play that he and the
year, he describes sitting on the lap
you feel he must have seen and
slippered pantaloon and all - that
Stratford bringing up his young
Shakespeare the Elizabethan,
scholar Jonathan Bate have jointly
of the mother of the headmaster
known them’?
means evoking childhood at the
family. Certainly he knew an awful
Shakespeare the representative
devised. Mark Antony, Hamlet,
of the school where his own
The obvious problem was that,
start. Callow gives us poor doomed
lot about ordinary life, about
of mankind, Shakespeare as
Romeo, Juliet, Macbeth, Lear and
mother was secretary, listening to
while we have plenty of
Mamillius at play with his mother
kitchens and being in the nursery
Everyman. We want them to feel what it’s like to be Shakespeare.’
Bottom are among the 40 men,
Macbeth on the radio, and being
information about the outer
Hermione in The Winter’s Tale, an
and struggling to make ends meet.
women and children he’s bringing
thrilled by ‘battlements and
Shakespeare who became
extract that, like everything in the
My feeling, which Jonathan shares
briefly but pertinently alive in
blasted heaths, witches and kings,
successful and rich, bought
show, is intended to achieve
very much, is that what he’s
‘Callow and Shakespeare: a brilliant combination’ Times No 1 Critics choice
HHHH
‘The audience were on their feet applauding this singular triumph’ Daily Express
HHHH
‘Fantastic Mr Callow is bard to the bone. A genuine tour de force’ Daily Mail
Trafalgar Studios
Being Shakespeare Directed by Tom Cairns Starring Simon Callow Box Office 0844 871 7632 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
12
News
attention Possums!
Lad Culture
Watch out Boris - Dame Edna’s in town!
A boy’s own adventure in Glasgow There’s been a
Re:Bourne, whose principal aim
this ambitious year-long
The New Wimbledon Theatre
With her celebrity comforts
He is looking forward to
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
thrilling adventure
is to expand the accessibility and
project culminating in a
has a reputation for scooping
back home in sunny Sydney, what
meeting his young co-stars.
understanding of dance-theatre
week of performances at the
megastars for its annual panto,
has lured Dame Edna away from a
Anna Williamson, a well-known
Dick Whittington
and to encourage widespread
Theatre Royal Glasgow in March.
but this year, a true gigastar, the
Christmas bwarbie on the beach to
children’s TV presenter, will play
participation in dance’ says
& Gillian Wright
William Golding’s adventure
iconic Dame Edna Everage, will be
a shivering season in SW19? ‘Being
pretty Alice (let us hope Dame
Matthew. ‘I am particularly happy
9 - 31 Dec 2011
- plucked from playgrounds and
on the dark side of human nature
flying in from her Sydney mansion
a stranger to pantomime, I am
Edna doesn’t suffer from girlie
that this project is aimed at young
Box Office 0844 871 7607
school gyms around Glasgow to
has particular resonance for
to star in Dick Whittington. She’s
looking forward to all the fun and
jealousy!) and Dick will be played
in Glasgow this Spring. A group of boys have been given a life-changing opportunity
Starring Jonathan Wilkes
Bristol Hippodrome*
take part in choreographer
men and will help to lift the stigma
teenagers. The story of a group
already a chat show host (she
frolics and meeting all of you lovely
by Sam Attwater, of Hollyoaks and
Matthew Bourne’s latest piece of
that is still sometimes attached to
of boys abandoned on a desert
has interviewed Cher and Sean
little possums of London. But most
Eastenders fame. How safe he’ll
peter pan
dance-theatre - Lord of the Flies.
their involvement in dance.’
island who begin to create their
Connery!), journalist, children’s
of all, the thought of guiding Dick
be from the attentions of the
Starring David Hasselhoff
Despite TV’s prime-time
The choreographer is well
own rules while dark superstitions
book illustrator, Broadway and
Whittington to become Lord Mayor
amorous Dame Edna can only
10 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012
love-affair with dance - Strictly,
known to audiences across the
and disturbing rituals take hold
West End star, painter, beauty
of London thrills me. I did the exact
be guessed at.
Box Office 0844 871 3012
So You Think You Can Dance and
country - his company New
is a powerful one. In this new
expert (she gives tips on her
same thing for Boris Johnson not
One thing’s for sure - there
Britain’s Got Talent come to mind
Adventures have had phenomenal
adaptation, the action is transferred
website) and fashion guru.
long ago.’
won’t be a dull moment. Bring
- changing teenage boys’
success with Swan Lake,
from deserted island to deserted
She’s a true household name.
Dame Edna’s creator and alter
it on, Possums!
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Sleeping beauty
perceptions of the artform was
Nutcracker!, The Car Man and
theatre where order breaks down
Over the years, Dame Edna
ego, Barry Humphries, played
Starring Karen Dunbar
always going to be a challenge...
Edward Scissorhands. And now
and blood is spilt as the boys
has transformed herself from
the theatre in 1960, when he
& Keith Jack
enter Matthew Bourne.
he’s taken the creative team
grapple with the ‘beast within’.
suburban Australian housewife
starred as Undertaker
2 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012
‘This will be the first major
behind these successes, a small
‘If just one boy comes through
to flamboyant, glamorous,
Mr Sowerberry
Box Office 0844 871 7648
initiative for my charity
group of professional dancers and
this whole year, through all the
outspoken force to be reckoned
in the world
put them to work with 15 Glasgow
workshops we did, through the
with. She tells it like it is. Call it
premiere
Manchester Palace Theatre*
lads aged from 11 to 21.
selection stage and through the
liberating, call it terrifying - there’s
of Oliver.
Glasgow Theatres’ Creative
rehearsals - goes onstage and
no ignoring her. She revels in her
Learning team joined forces with
realises ‘this is me. This is where
superstar lifestyle, but she hasn’t
New Adventures, West
I want to be...’ and goes for it...
forgotten her Aussie roots.
Dunbartonshire Council and
well that would be tremendous.
Carrying her trademark gladioli,
Creative Scotland to manage
But if everyone who took part
she still greets audiences with
Milton Keynes Theatre
throughout the year went away
that joyous, ‘Hello Possums!’
with something - a moment they
Panto is our oldest form of
ALADDIN
really enjoyed, a bit of new
theatre. Foreigners often don’t
information about themselves that
understand the audience shouting
came as a surprise... that really
CINDERELLA Starring Louie Spence & Suzanne Shaw 3 - 31 Dec 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3018
9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7652
out and the cross-dressing. Buxom
Richmond Theatre
would be everything Re:Bourne
Dames are played by men, who
aims to do’ says Matthew.
are a bit on the grotesque side,
CINDERELLA Starring Jenny Eclair
plastered with heavy makeup,
9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012
with a penchant for slapstick
Box Office 0844 871 7651
humour. The traditional Dame of the panto is Sarah the Cook,
New Wimbledon Theatre
played by veteran Eric Potts who
DICK WHITTINGTON
is also directing. There will be
Starring Dame Edna Everage,
plenty of time for the Dames
Sam Attwater & Anna Williamson
to compare notes about frocks,
9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012
hats and specs.
Box Office 0844 871 7646
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
peter pan Starring Steve McFadden & Harry Derbidge 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7645 Full casting details and online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk Feature by Victoria Kingston Photography by 13
Richard Campbell
Photography by Greg Gorman
14
Style
Island Paradise
1
Dive in to South Pacific style
1 Men’s swim shorts from Paul Smith £75 paulsmith.co.uk
2 Straw sun hat from Accessorise £20 accessorize.com.
3 Silver silk satin tunic
£199
Silver sequin bolero jacket £149
2
both from Style Butler stylebutler.com
3
4 Cloud maxi dress from Style Butler £229
4
5
5 Day Birger cream chiffon dress from House of Fraser £219 houseoffraser.co.uk
6 Metal bead sandals from no-nu £149 no-nu.com
6
7 Espadrille wedges from RAS £145 8 Raffia beach bag from Accessorise £30 9 Passport holder from Paul Smith £99
9
10 Bathing suit from Marks and Spencer £29.50 marksandspencer.com
8
11 Gold sunglasses from Tom Ford £295 tomford.com
7
12 Gold bead sandals from Lola Cruz £165 lolacruz.com
13 Missoni beach towel from House of Fraser £60
14 Gold and grey leather ring
13
£115
Bracelet £115 from Miquella London
12 14 10
11 All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers.
15
Feature by Mark Bouman
16
Going Out
Hidden Gems
Images top l-r: Grange St Paul’s Hotel, London The Water of Leith, Edinburgh Great John Street hotel,
Urban escapes for a summer staycation
Manchester Quarry Bank Mill, Styal
Our trio of insider guides shed new
hidden down a secluded cobbled
Northern Soul
performance as part of a
Exquisite Edinburgh
Prestonfield? Originally built in
light on the UK’s most dynamic
mews. Café cuisine is the order of
Manchester is famed for its music
distinctive day out. July sees
Scotland’s capital attracts its fair
1687 and reinvented by James
cities, unveiling a treasure trove
the day on the ground floor but
scene, one that caters for all tastes.
Victoria Wood’s new play The Day
share of visitors yet few people
Thomson, this opulent hotel
of lesser-known delights.
choose Le Grenier upstairs to enjoy
Jazz lovers will be particularly
We Sang - part of the Manchester
witness the city from the Water of
blends art, antiques and stunning
traditional French dishes served
spoilt this summer as the
International Festival.
Leith, a 24-mile-long river flowing
architecture with the city’s most
in the charming surroundings of
Manchester Jazz Festival gets into
Urbanites who like to be in the
from the Pentland Hills to the Firth
sought-after restaurant, Rhubarb.
At the core of the capital, the
a former Victorian warehouse.
full swing, showcasing local and
midst of the action will enjoy a
of Forth. Venture down the river’s
‘Gloriously dissolute,’ says the
City of London’s narrow winding
Wind on through the ancient
international artists in diverse
break at Great John Street, a
picturesque city banks and you’ll
Sunday Times, ‘more boudoir
alleys are remarkably tranquil
streets towards St Paul’s Cathedral
venues from St Ann’s Church to the
converted Victorian schoolhouse
be rewarded with interesting
than B&B.’
at weekends, leading to some
to Postman’s Park. Once popular
Royal Northern College of Music.
a stone’s throw from Manchester’s
monuments, beautiful gardens
Another attraction that regularly
bewitching locations, among
as a lunchtime garden among
Insiders know, however, that a
upmarket retailers, restaurants and
and listed buildings along the way.
receives good press, the Edinburgh
them St Bartholomew the Great.
workers from the old General
rare treat is guaranteed at
theatres. Be sure not to miss the
Continue your voyage of
Playhouse should be on any visitor’s
greatstbarts.com
One of London’s oldest churches,
Post Office, it contains the Watts
small hotel’s vintage Oyster Bar
discovery beneath the famed Royal
list. Entertainment is of the highest
cafedumarche.co.uk
the medieval structure features
Memorial commemorating
and exclusive rooftop lounge. As
Mile. An award-winning visitor
quality including the new tour
architecture dating back to 1123.
ordinary men and women who
an alternative, escape the hustle
attraction, The Real Mary King’s
of Legally Blonde and
Despite appearing in several films,
gave their lives attempting to save
and bustle of the city centre by
Close is a fascinating warren of
We Will Rock You.
including Shakespeare in Love, this
others. Inscribed onto a gallery
retreating to Didsbury House.
underground streets that lay
enchanting spot remains peaceful
of glazed Royal Doulton tiles,
Set within a lovely Victorian Villa,
buried and forgotten for centuries
and relaxing.
their touching tales can’t fail
there are 27 chic and individual
until 2003. Containing original
to move you.
rooms complemented by a
dwellings stretching back to the
With so much to explore in
resident’s bar/lounge. Well-heeled
16th century, these alleyways
London’s historical heart, it’s
locals who value fine dining and
underneath The City Chambers
worth booking a short stay at a
quality wine bars favour the
provide an insight into a bygone
central hotel. Contemporary and
fashionable village of Didsbury.
era - and are thought to be
Within easy reach of Didsbury,
haunted by citizens of the past.
Historic Heart
cityoflondon.gov.uk grangehotels.com manchesterjazz.com mattandphreds.com eclectic-hotel-collection.com nationaltrust.org.uk waterofleith.org.uk realmarykingsclose.com grassmarket.net prestonfield.com
Matt&Phreds
Paul’s Hotel boasts luxurious
Matt&Phreds, located in the
Quarry Bank at Styal is a
Above ground, off the Royal
rooms, an impressive glass atrium
Northern Quarter. The only
compelling National Trust
Mile, you’ll find the Grassmarket,
and the modern Ajala Spa in
dedicated jazz club in the North
destination that highlights the
a vibrant and convivial area for
which it is possible to try out
West, it has built a reputation
story of mill workers,
shopping and food. Independent
Sun Therapy.
for its fine food and intimate
entrepreneurs and the Industrial
merchants and artisans sell
The Grassmarket, Edinburgh
From here, it’s easy to access
performance space.
Revolution. Come to see hand-
everything from antiques to
Le Café du Marché
legendary theatreland so why
Unforgettable experiences are
spinners at work, find out how
cutting-edge fashions, while
Sampling fine cuisine is easy
not make a night of it with front
also on offer at Manchester’s
water power was supplemented
dozens of bars and restaurants
For Manchester Opera
in wider Smithfield, where the
row seats to a West End show?
Opera House where legendary
by steam and finish your excursion
include alfresco options.
House and Edinburgh
choice of eateries includes Le Café
Ghost The Musical opens at the
musicals and stars take to the
with a stroll through the mill’s
For a treat, why not splurge
Feature by
Playhouse see atgv.co.uk
du Marché, a romantic restaurant
Piccadilly Theatre this summer.
stage. Book a matinee
terraced gardens.
on the five-star luxury of the
Neena Dhillon
For details of Piccadilly Theatre see AmbassadorTickets.com
17
understated in style, Grange St
Circular Inset image:
18