Ambassador Theatre Group
WINTER 2011
Dame Edna Glamour and scandal backstage
David Hasselhoff
‘I’m still a boy at heart’ Join the UK’s best new theatre club!
The ATG Theatre Card
Leading ladies
Thandie Newton Samantha Womack
HOTLIST!
Ghost at the Piccadilly Marcus Brigstocke 1940’s in vogue
Things to do, people to see
atgtickets.com
The Ambassador Theatre Group
2 1 3
1 South Pacific 2 Ghost The Musical 3 Oloroso lounge, Edinburgh
Christmas Presence
1
Everage and Hasselhoff go head to head
A Magical Night
What’s on in London Chance Encounter
3
Visions and illusions in Ghost The Musical
Competition
9
A night to remember at Legally Blonde The Musical
Thandie Newton opens up
More from membership 11 The new ATG Theatre Card
Some Enchanted Evening 5
Silliness Reigns
Samantha Womack has audiences under her spell
Marcus Brigstocke’s comedy kingdom
The Treasured Islands of Samoa
8
13
1940’s Fantasy
14 15
Be seduced by South Pacific style
Cities of Distinction
17
Super-chic destinations for the festive season
7
Ambassador Group productions
Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 8717 607 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 8717 650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 8717 620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 8717 648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 8717 647 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 8717 652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 8717 651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 8717 649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 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 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Al Senter, Caroline Bishop, Nancy Groves, Benedict Nightingale, Victoria Kingston, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Karen Cody, Ben Prudhoe, Alice Gimblett 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 Greg Gorman
Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 The Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly The 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
‘Captain Hook is a villain but he’s a villain you love to hate. He’s a bit like Simon Cowell in that respect.’
Interview
David is, of course, known to
stage in my career when I’m at the
competition?
millions as the star of Knight Rider,
height of my powers. In addition,
‘I don’t think I’ll be upstaged
Baywatch and latterly Britain’s Got
my gynaecologist lives nearby and
by any other dame in the show,
Talent but his first ambition was
he’s promised me regular
I assure you. I am a diva, after all,
to go on the stage. ‘I love live
explorations. He’s even offered to
a solo performer who is normally
performance’ he says. ‘The
stand by in the wings.’
by herself on stage.’
audience reaction is so immediate
How will Dame Edna embrace
Dame Edna’s packed future
and so gratifying. When I was
the conventions of pantomime -
schedule includes the narration
doing Peter Pan, I’d often sit on
with its custom of cross-dressing,
of Walton’s Facades and she’s also
the stage before the show or go
for example?
looking forward to tackling some
up into the rafters, just to
‘It’s a tradition, isn’t it?’ she
of the best-known roles in serious
experience the atmosphere of an
observes. ‘Normally I find the idea
theatre. ‘I’m so excited by the
empty theatre. It was magical. I
of a man dressing up as a woman a
thought of appearing in Dick
may be fifty-nine years old now
little unsavoury. In my experience,
Whittington’ she says. ‘I’m sure
but The Hoff’s still a boy at heart.’
it’s a sure sign of a broken home.
that it will lead to me starring in
Dame Edna, by contrast, is a
But for theatrical purposes, it
plays by Shakespeare and Chekhov.
seasoned live performer. She
should be allowed.’
And I have my eye on Phaedra. It’s
discloses that it’s the perfect
Another pantomime convention
practically Edna spelt backwards,
Starring David Hasselhoff 10 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3012
moment for her to make her
is the presence of a dame. How
more or less. I truly feel that I’m
pantomime debut. ‘I’m at that
will Dame Edna deal with the
on the crest of a wave!’
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Dick Whittington Starring Jonathan Wilkes & Gillian Wright 9 - 31 Dec 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7607
Bristol Hippodrome
peter pan
Sleeping beauty Starring Karen Dunbar & Keith Jack 2 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7648
Manchester Palace Theatre
CINDERELLA Starring Louie Spence, Suzanne Shaw & Tam Ryan 3 - 31 Dec 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3018
Milton Keynes Theatre
ALADDIN Starring Gareth Gates & Paul Burling 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7652
Christmas Presence
Hoff’s the Hook and Dame Edna’s the Diva in a galaxy of stars this Christmas
Images l-r: Suzanne Shaw David Hasselhoff Steve McFadden Dame Edna Everage Gareth Gates Interview by Al Senter Photography by 1
Paul Clapp
Richmond Theatre
CINDERELLA Starring Jenny Eclair & Gary Wilmot 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7651
Following the overwhelming
practising my tap and fencing
stayed true to the character and
success of his Captain Hook in
skills, studying method acting
to the story, you could spice it up
last year’s pantomime Peter Pan
and taking lessons in mime from
a bit for the adult audience in the
DICK WHITTINGTON
at Wimbledon, David Hasselhoff
Marcel Marceau with the help of
evenings. Captain Hook is a villain
is back on these shores, wielding
a medium and an ouija board,
but he’s a villain you love to hate.
his trusty cutlass at the Bristol
of course.’
He’s a bit like Simon Cowell in that
Hippodrome. But Wimbledonians
The Hoff is equally passionate
respect. And he doesn’t take himself too seriously, which also
Starring Dame Edna Everage, Sam Attwater & Anna Williamson 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7646
New Wimbledon Theatre
need not feel too bereft since
about his forthcoming
they’ll be playing host to
engagement. ‘The response to the
connects you to the audience.’
Melbourne’s finest, Dame Edna
show was so phenomenal last year,
Barrie’s perennial favourite is
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Everage. The housewife/megastar
I’m told that it broke every Box
still hugely popular, more than
peter pan
is making an overdue debut in Dick
Office record. I feel such an
a hundred years since it was first
Whittington, and she is typically
emotional connection to the role.
staged. ‘There’s something about
Starring Steve McFadden Harry Derbridge, Amy Bird & Andy Collins 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7645
leaving no stone unturned in her
Fifty years ago, I took part in a
being the eternal boy that
preparations for the role of The
production of Peter Pan. I fell in
resonates with us’ says David. ‘I’m
Saviour of London.
love then with the story.’
continually trying to get back to
‘I’m already in training for
Playing Captain Hook last year
that feeling of being a child again,
what’s going to be the highlight
was ‘so much fun. We were doing
when your reactions came
of my career,’ enthuses Dame
two shows a day for six weeks
naturally, when you were like a
Edna. ‘It’s my first real role in
which is a brutal schedule but
Lost Boy and you spent your
the serious theatre and I’ve been
whereas at the matinée, you
time having adventures.’
For full casting details & online booking for all pantos across ATG venues this year 2 visit atgtickets.com
Interview
a magical Night The stars come out for the opening night of Ghost The Musical
It is appropriate that Matthew
burst into applause and give the
my own model theatre. I used to
Warchus, the multi award-winning
response that’s appropriate to a
make not only scenery and lighting
director of hit new show Ghost
magic show and therefore not be
for it but also illusions, to make
The Musical, describes being at
emotionally involved at that
ghosts appear and disappear.’
its opening night in London as
moment. So we crafted them
With the London production
‘an out-of-body experience.’
very carefully.’
already extended to October 2012,
After years of planning and an
Doing so took two years of
Matthew now has the chance to
intense period of rehearsing to
development with his regular
recreate the same magic on
bring this spectacular musical to
collaborators, illusionist Paul
Broadway, with the show opening
fruition, first in Manchester and
Kieve, designer Rob Howell and
there next spring. No doubt, with
now in the West End, it’s no
lighting designer Hugh Vanstone.
his trusted team behind him, he
wonder that by the time the
Prototypes were built and tested,
can pull it off again. But one
press descended on the Piccadilly
the script and music were altered
thing’s for sure, by the time
Theatre in July, Matthew was
to help facilitate the magic, and
opening night rolls around, the
feeling ‘completely wiped out.’
the set was designed to
director will be too tired to party.
For him, the reward wasn’t a
accommodate the illusions
‘I go home,’ he says with a smile,
much deserved glass of champagne
effectively.
‘and I usually have a marmite
with composers and lyricists Dave
But they had no idea if it
sandwich and a cup of tea and
Stewart and Glen Ballard at the
would work until the first
go to bed.’
after-show party, but witnessing
audiences arrived in Manchester.
the reactions of audiences night
‘What completely caught me out
after night: ‘To sit in the theatre
was that it would be possible to
and to see an audience so churned
clap and cry at the same time,’
up and delighted and moved by
says Matthew. The team had
this particular piece, is what it’s
pulled it off.
all about as a director.’
Creating Ghost The
His achievement in staging
Musical is the continuation
Ghost The Musical is particularly
of a long-held passion
impressive. Though magic has
for the Tony-
featured in many of his shows
winning director.
- from Peter Pan in Leeds in 1996
‘The magical
to West End behemoth The Lord
mysterious
Of The Rings to his latest show
side of
Matilda The Musical - this, the
theatre, the
story of a murdered man who
secrecy of
returns as a ghost to protect his
it, the
girlfriend, contains some of the
veiled
most complex effects Matthew
illusion of
has worked on. Spirits rise from
theatre,
dead bodies, ghosts walk through
has always
walls and a letter unfolds by itself.
excited
But it wasn’t enough just to create
me,’ he
extraordinary tricks. ‘I wanted the
says. ‘As a
magic not to disrupt the emotional
child I had
Matthew Warchus
HHHHH ‘A new West End hit has landed.’ Time Out
HHHHH ‘Jaw-droppingly amazing.’ MEN
HHHH
‘An unearthly hit.’ Evening Standard
moments, and of course the opportunities for illusions in the story of Ghost tend to occur at very emotional moments,’ he says. ‘The danger was that in planning the show we would end up with illusions that were so effective that the audience would
Piccadilly Theatre, London
Ghost The Musical 1
1 Karen Brady
3
2
2 Joe McElderry 3 McFly 4 Dave Stewart, Caissie
4
5
6
Levy, Richard Fleeshman 5 Denise van Outen
7
6 JLS
8
Starring Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy, Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Langtree Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at atgtickets.com Feature by Caroline Bishop
7 Kimberley Walsh
Photography by Paul Clapp
8 Bob Geldof
and Sean Ebsworth Barnes
4
rodgers and hammerstein’s
Interview
Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
South Pacific Directed by Bartlett Sher
Milton Keynes 12 - 22 October Box Office 0844 871 7652
Manchester Palace with Liverpool One co-star, Mark
singing ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man
for ‘cockeyed optimist’ Nellie and
Womack, she became tabloid
Right Out of My Hair’. ‘Maybe it
the biggest challenge of her career
fodder. So life has had its dark
looks okay from a distance,’ she
to date, headlining a show that
moments.
laughs, before explaining she is
won seven Tony Awards during its
But so does South Pacific. Sher’s
strapped in within an inch of her
New York run, the musical’s first
production has been praised for
microphone. ‘Nothing about Nellie
8 - 19 November Box Office 0844 871 7647
since its original 1949 Broadway
restoring the moral light and
was easy for me to get into,’ she
production. ‘I had every reason
shade that Hollywood edited
concludes. ‘But it always takes time
Bristol Hippodrome
to go for it,’ says Womack. ‘It’s
out in 1959 in favour of glorious
to find a character and I feel like
period, it’s set in the Deep South.
technicolour. ‘I love the fact the
I’m finally starting to feel her. It’s
Nellie is one of the furthest
darker stuff has been reinstated,’
like a pair of shoes; you have to
New Theatre Oxford
characters from me that I’ve
says Womack. ‘I read the original
wear them in.’
ever played.’
Tales of the South Pacific novel,
6 - 31 December Box Office 0844 871 3020
HHHH
‘A musical masterpiece. It’s a revelation.’ Mail on Sunday
HHHH
Some Enchanted evening Samantha Womack dazzles audiences in South Pacific Supported by
Interview by Nancy Groves Photography by 5
Simon Annand
Ever wondered where this
‘wonderful guy’ (Paulo Szot) on a
At the time, she wasn’t on the
autumn’s fabulous 1940s fashion
remote Pacific island in the dying
look-out for a musical, despite
has sprung from? Look no further
days of World War II. When her
impressing as Miss Adelaide in the
than South Pacific, says Samantha
biography describes Womack as
West End production of Guys and
Womack, star of the award-
one of Britain’s most versatile
Dolls (opposite the late Patrick
winning Lincoln Centre Theatre
actresses, it doesn’t lie. It’s not
Swayze) but she was certainly
production which wowed London
every star who can go straight
after a change of tune.
this summer and goes out on tour
from TV to the warm-hearted,
‘I was looking for a part that
from October. ‘Apparently Anna
light-footed lead in a Rodgers &
was inherently different,’ says
Wintour came to see the show
Hammerstein classic.
Samantha. ‘Often when you’ve
in New York and started putting
Quite literally. On the morning
played a role you’ve become well
1940s looks into Vogue. So we all
of her South Pacific audition for
known for, you get offered other
have Nellie Forbush to thank!’
Broadway legend and director
parts in a similar vein. And some
None more so than Womack,
Bartlett Sher, Womack was still
of those parts were fantastic. But
dazzling audiences as the US army
filming some of Eastenders’ most
I’d done that for four years - I
nurse who falls in love with her
emotional scenes.
wouldn’t be able to bring anything
25 October - 5 November Box Office 0844 871 3018
new to them.’ Instead, she opted
It was as another bubbly blonde
which won a Pulitzer, and it’s so
- lovable if man-eating Mandy
informative about what these
in 1990s sitcom, Game On - that
people were actually going
she first captured the public
through. That strange feeling of
imagination. What makes Nellie
being on your own in a place that
different? ‘She is so of her time,’
looks like paradise but is so far
says Womack. ‘She’s from Little
from home.’
Rock, Arkansaw and has that very
Then there are Nellie’s deep
specific small town mindset. On
South attitudes. ‘On the first
the one hand, Nellie shoots from
few nights, I was scared. I
the hip; on the other, she can be
thought, ‘I’m never going to win
very naïve and innocent.’
them back round.’ But with a
Unlike the Womack of popular
flawed character, the chance of
lore - or Samantha Janus as she
redemption is so much stronger.
was when Game On made her an
People relate to faults much more
FHM poster girl. There was only
than to perfection.’
ever one lads’ mag shoot, she
Of course, as flaws go, Womack
says, but when her first marriage
shows precious few, even when
broke down and she got involved
dancing around in a satin swimsuit,
Turn over for more South Pacific escapes!
‘No lover of musical theatre should miss it.’ Daily Telegraph
HHHHH
‘That’s some enchanted evening.’ Daily Mail
Theatre Royal Glasgow
22 November - 3 December Box Office 0844 871 3012
New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 7 - 18 February 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3011
Liverpool Empire 21 February - 3 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3017
Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 6 March - 17 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7649
Wimbledon Theatre 20 March - 31 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7646
Edinburgh Playhouse 3 - 14 April 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3014
Sunderland Empire 1 - 12 May 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3022 Online booking at atgtickets.com
6
What’s On
Buy Your West End Tickets Here apollo victoria 0844 871 7615
phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629
There has never been a better time to experience ‘the hit musical with brains, heart & courage’ (S. Telegraph) as it flies into its sixth spellbinding year.
‘Exhilarating. One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times
harold pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622
piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630
by Ariel Dorfman Hollywood star Thandie Newton is directed by Jeremy Herrin in this riveting thriller.
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
Wicked
Death and the Maiden
Inadmissible Evidence A poignant, witty and intensely compelling play by John Osborne.
Blood Brothers
Ghost The Musical
Dreamboats and Petticoats
HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub thumping fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph
duke of york’s Theatre 0844 871 7623
Backbeat
The story of the birth of the Beatles, adapted from Iain Softley’s 1994 film and featuring all-time rock ’n’ roll classics.
savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
Legally Blonde The Musical
Starring Susan McFadden and Lee Mead. Winner! Best New Musical 2011 Olivier Awards.
fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0844 871 7632
One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail
Caryl Churchill’s witty and daring landmark play comes direct from a sell-out run in Chichester.
lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632
The Woman in Black
Disney’s
The Lion King With a cast of over 40 actors, singers and dancers. ‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard
Top Girls
Third Floor
Hilarious new thriller starring Craig Gazey and Emily Head.
the old vic 0844 871 7628
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632
BAFTA Award-winner John Crowley directs J M Synge’s irreverent comic masterpiece.
Salt Root and Roe 10 Nov - Sat 3 Dec Dublin Carol Thu 8 Dec - Sat 31 Dec Huis Clos Thu 5 Jan - Sat 28 Jan 2012
The Playboy of the Western World
Donmar Trafalgar Season
Book your tickets online at atgtickets.com *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
Interview
and doesn’t know where she’ll end
Flirting. She’s also as acute as she’s
insecure and even bulimic as a
up’. As she once said, she’s ‘good
attractive, having a Cambridge
result. She’s now happily married
at playing emotionally strangled
degree in anthropology that
and has two children, but she
people’, which Paulina certainly
taught her to observe a difficult
admits to having endured self-
is. Moreover, she thinks there’s an
world coolly and clinically as well
hatred, and struggled to find
urgent need to discuss the issues
as do far more research than is
peace, contentment and the
about power that the play raises:
usual for an actor. The fulfilling
sense of shared humanity and
what’s justice, what’s revenge,
days she spent in Downing College
responsibility for others that she
is there a balance to be found
library have, she says, been echoed
now thinks all-important.
between the two? ‘It’s a fantastic
in her preparation for Paulina.
Certainly, she exudes a hard-
opportunity to have this discourse
Reading in depth about Chile,
won confidence. Far from being
in the West End. But what’s so
human rights abuses and ‘the long-
alarmed at the prospect of facing
terrific about this piece is that
lasting trauma of torture and how
a live audience rather than a
it’s all threaded into the tapestry
it affects both perpetrators and
camera crew, ‘I can’t wait, I’m so
of a thriller full of suspense that
victims makes me more informed,
excited, what’s the point of being
keeps you on the edge of your seat
gives me and the director more
frightened?’ her only regret is
as well as informs, provokes and
choices, helps me play the honest
not being home in north London
challenges.’
song of the character’.
‘to be there when my kids go to
‘
bed or give them hot soup if they
Chance Encounter
Thandie Newton stars in the compelling thriller Death and the Maiden
What’s so terrific about this piece is that it’s all threaded into the tapestry of a thriller full of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat as well as informs, provokes and challenges.
Though she’s known for her
Actually, Thandie already
film performances - winning the
knows a good deal about
’
get colds and snuggle them to sleep’. But the compensation is the chance to explore the psychology of a woman who feels her pain has gone unacknowledged and unaddressed for years and years in a nation still largely in denial: ‘There are these pockets of
Anthony Calf
people in the world who are like
Tom Goodman-Hill
boils waiting to burst, and you can’t keep repressing that kind
BAFTA for Crash, starring opposite
traumatic events. ‘As a half-
Oprah Winfrey in Beloved and as
Zimbabwean I feel the desperation
of agony. And I see Paulina as
Condoleezza Rice in Oliver Stone’s
and frustration of relatives on the
someone who has been put to
W - Thandie Newton has more
ground,’ she says. She’s a board
sleep. She’s sleepwalking, but
than enough experience in every
member of V-Day, whose large
with a bomb in her heart, in her
sense for so demanding a stage
and sophisticated refuge in the
soul, and at some point, yes, it’s
role. She’s shown rare versatility
Congo offers women protection,
going to explode. And it does.’
since, having seen her prospective
education and, where possible,
career as a dancer ruined by injury,
empowerment. As a mixed-
she appeared in 1991 alongside
race person, she never felt she
the then-unknown Nicole Kidman
belonged in Cornwall, where she
in a coming-of-age film,
was brought up, and she became
The Harold Pinter Theatre In a fitting tribute to the man who over his 50 year career became recognised as one of the most influential modern British dramatists, London’s
resonance - think Libya, think
him. He was the doctor who
Comedy Theatre has been renamed The Harold
worth reviving than the one that’s
of the Arab Spring itself.
presided over her torture sessions,
Pinter Theatre.
about to give Hollywood star
Thandie plays Paulina, a
deciding just how much electricity
The work of Pinter is an integral part of the
Thandie Newton her professional
character performed by Juliet
she could take without dying -
theatre’s history and it has been the West End
stage debut at The Harold Pinter
Stevenson in London, Glenn Close
and, to the horror of her husband,
home to no less than 7 Pinter productions over
Theatre I can’t think of it. Ariel
on Broadway and Sigourney
she determines on the bloody
the last 21 years including The Caretaker with
The Harold Pinter Theatre
Dorfman’s award-winning Death
Weaver in Roman Polanski’s film
retaliation that may or may not
Michael Gambon, The Lover and The Collection
and the Maiden first appeared
version. Paulina was arrested and
occur as a complex but riveting
with Gina McKee and most recently Betrayal
Death and the Maiden
at the Royal Court in 1991, when
hideously abused when she was
thriller unfolds.
starring Kristin Scott Thomas.
the dramatist’s native Chile was
a medical student and is now
What attracted Thandie to
The first show to open at the newly renamed
trying to come to terms with a
married to Gerardo, a lawyer.
the part? ‘It’s one of the great
Harold Pinter Theatre will be Ariel Dorfman’s
Pinochet era during which many of
Her husband brings home Roberto,
roles, a three-dimensional and
Death and the Maiden. Dorfman said: ‘How
its citizens had been tortured and
who stopped and helped him
very believable person but also
wondrous that the very play that owed its first
killed. Set in a country that has just
when he had a flat tyre on the
a metaphor for so much of
life to Pinter, will now be reborn inside a
Photography by
democratised after a long period
road, and Paulina, rightly or
humanity, a woman who was once
theatre that bears his name!’
Michael Birt
of dictatorship it has a particular
wrongly, decides she recognises
innocent and was then traumatised
www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk
Interview by Benedict Nightingale
9
If there’s a modern play more
he formERly t e atr comedy the by Ariel Dorfman Starring Thandie Newton, Tom Goodman-Hill & Anthony Calf Booking until 21 January 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7622 Online booking at 10 atgtickets.com
ATG Theatre Card gives you:
News
Priority tickets - get the best seats first! Special ticket offers including half price on many productions No booking or postage fees on most shows Priority brochure just for you Fee free ticket exchange Save 10% on pre-show and interval drinks Free cloakroom Accepted at 39 venues across the UK and in the West End star David Suchet in A Long Day’s
with a ‘knight’ to remember
Theatre, the mighty We Will Rock
Journey into Night which will tour
from Spamalot starring Marcus
You at the Edinburgh Playhouse
to ATG venues from March 2012.
Brigstocke and Todd Carty.
and the Sunderland Empire can
For sheer escapism, hilarious family
The New Alexandra Theatre
look forward to a fluffy pink
fun and glittering set pieces in a
Birmingham will be hand-jiving
festive time with Legally Blonde
festive atmosphere pantomime is
their way into the New Year with
The Musical heading their way!
the winning ticket - Dame Edna
smash-hit Grease and audiences
The ATG Theatre Card is only
Everage, David Hasselhoff and
at the Oxford New Theatre will
£30 and allows you to buy up to
Steve McFadden among many
be heading to warmer climes with
4 tickets for each show. It’s the
others can be seen at a theatre
South Pacific. Theatre-goers at the
perfect membership to ensure
near you this Christmas.
Liverpool Empire can enjoy a real
you get the seats that you want,
There are also Christmas shows
festive treat with Tommy Steele
for the performance that you
galore across the regions.
in Scrooge followed by White
want and at the right price. Why
Theatre Royal Brighton will be looking on the bright side of life
More from membership
A new membership scheme offers a great deal at more theatres than ever before
11
Images top l-r: Spamalot We Will Rock You Legally Blonde middle l-r: Keira Knightley in The Children’s Hour Peppa pig Northern Ballet Cleopatra Bill Bailey bottom l-r: James Corden in One Man, Two Guvnors David Suchet in A Long Day’s Journey into Night South Pacific Right hand page: Grease
It’s the talk of the town. October
End venues.
exchange - always a useful feature
marks the launch of a brand
Love a bargain? Members of the
when plans go haywire.
new theatre membership card.
scheme will have exclusive access
But undoubtedly the card’s
The ATG Theatre Card is the only
to special offers including half
biggest asset is that it can be
membership scheme in the UK that
price tickets on selected shows.
used at 39 venues across the UK
offers benefits across theatres from
Always want to be first in the
and in the West End making it
Glasgow to Brighton taking in the
queue? Members can get the best
the essential must-have item for
West End of London.
seats first. Looking to save money
theatre lovers everywhere and a
ATG Theatre Card takes all the
on your visit to the theatre?
great stocking filler this Christmas.
most attractive benefits from
ATG Theatre Card will save you
And from must-have to must-
AmbassadorFriends and LiveCard
10% on pre-show and interval
see there’s never a shortage of
and rolls them into one - a card
drinks and grant you free use of
showstoppers at ATG theatres.
that customers will be able to use
the cloakroom. Want to avoid
Members can enjoy a packed
in their local theatre, other ATG
booking and postage fees on most
programme of delights from
theatres in major cities and towns
shows? Membership offers you
children’s favourites like Peppa Pig
around the UK and in ATG’s West
this together with fee-free ticket
to top quality drama from Poirot
Christmas with Adam Cooper and Aled Jones, there’s Dirty Dancing at the
39 venues for £30
not join the 100,000 customers already enjoying the benefits of membership and join today!
Manchester Palace
Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard Call 0844 8717633 Visit Your nearest ATG venue Box Office
*ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets and drinks with their card. Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events. ATG reserves the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice. For full terms and conditions please visit our website.
12
Interview Spamalot Theatre Royal Brighton 15 Dec 2011 - 14 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 650
Empire Theatre Liverpool 16 - 21 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3017
New Theatre Oxford 23 - 28 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3020
Grimsby Auditorium 30 Jan - 4 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3016
New Victoria Theatre Woking 6 - 11 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 645
Princess Theatre Torquay 13 - 18 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3023
Grand Opera House York 20 - 25 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3024
Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 27 Feb - 3 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 649
King’s Theatre Glasgow
Silliness Reigns
Competition
Marcus Brigstocke is King of the castle in Spamalot Avid readers of this magazine will
Savoy Theatre
comedy. ‘I think it’s great jokes,’
touring, but it’s
recall that, about a year ago, we
he says emphatically. ‘It’s obviously
very hard being
ran a feature on Spamalot, the
about timing - but it’s also the
away from my
Tony award-winning musical,
right joke in the right
children. We
Legally Blonde The Musical
Starring Susan McFadden & Lee Mead Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com
‘lovingly ripped off’ from the now
environment. Something that
miss each other.
iconic movie Monty Python and
made us laugh in Spamalot, for
On the other hand,
the Holy Grail. Written by John
example, might not make sense
I like seeing new places
Du Prez and Python Eric Idle, it
out of context.’
- even though it might be you
had loads to offer: all singing,
A regular on TV’s Have I Got
never want to go back to some
all dancing, brand new songs,
News for You and Just a Minute,
of them! Last time we toured,
(though naturally it had to include
Brigstocke’s film credits include
I spent time in Bath and York -
Always Look on the Bright Side
Love Actually and Telstar. He has
I absolutely loved both of them.
of Life), Todd Carty and Jodie
also published his first book,
I also reappraised my opinion of
Manchester Opera House
Prenger - and the ever funny
God Collar, which explores very
Liverpool, which can be a difficult
Marcus Brigstocke.
personal issues surrounding
place for comedians. I’m really
18 - 29 October Box Office 0844 871 3018
The tour was a runaway success,
religious faith in his own incisive
thrilled to be going back into
seen by more than 300,000 people
and humorous style. Does he thrive
Spamalot as Arthur. I’ve been
in 50 weeks. And the legendary
on diverse challenges? ‘Yes. The
playing Mr Perks in The Railway
On Tour
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 4 - 15 October Box Office 0844 871 3011
Princess Theatre Torquay 8 - 19 November Box Office 0844 871 3023
story of King Arthur, a cast of
greatest thing is variety,’ he says.
Children, so I’ve just shaved off an
naughty knights, cows, killer
‘But comedy has always been the
impressive railway man moustache
Sunderland Empire
rabbits and French people had
backbone of my career. I’ve always
and I’m left with stubble. But come
audiences roaring with laughter
returned to it - be it stand-up or
our first venue in Brighton, I’ll be
6 - 31 December Box Office 0844 871 3022
night after night. As he prepares
sketch.’
fully bearded up and ready to go!’
for another tour this winter, we
And as he returns to Spamalot,
ask Marcus Brigstocke to reveal the
we wonder if he will enjoy doing
secret of that elusive thing - great
another big tour. ‘Well, I like
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 31 January - 11 February 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7607
Theatre Royal Brighton
12 - 17 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 647
13 - 24 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7650
Edinburgh Playhouse 19 - 24 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3014
Online booking at atgtickets.com
Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 26 - 31 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3011
Richmond Theatre 2 - 7 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 651
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 9 - 14 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 607
Sunderland Empire 16 - 21 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3022
Bristol Hippodrome 23 - 28 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3012
Churchill Theatre Bromley 30 Apr - 5 May 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 620
Opera House Manchester 7 - 12 May 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3018 Full casting details and online booking at atgtickets.com Interview by Victoria Kingston 13
Photography by Eric Richmond
Join college sweetheart and
School in a bid to win him back
cast and crew of Legally Blonde!
homecoming queen Elle Woods
after he dumps her for someone
To get your hands on this
(and her adorable Chihuahua,
more ‘serious’. With plenty of glitz,
amazing prize, simply answer
Bruiser) as she paints the town
glamour and feel-good songs
the following question:
pink from Manchester to Torquay.
along the way, Elle proves that
This is your chance to catch the
being true to yourself never goes
In which American state is
show that has been wowing
out of style.
Harvard Law School?
audiences and critics alike in
We’re offering one lucky winner
London’s West End - and we’ll
and three friends the best seats
Please return your answer, not
help you do it in style!
in the house at a venue of their
forgetting your name, address
Based on the hit movie starring
choice, and we’ll also treat you
and telephone number to Alice
Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde
to a bit of VIP luxury with
Gimblett, The Ambassador Theatre
The Musical tells the hilarious
complimentary champagne,
Group Ltd., 39 - 41 Charing Cross
and heart-warming story of a
programmes and merchandise.
Road, London, WC2H 0AR before
Californian sorority girl who
To make it a truly unforgettable
Monday 12 December 2011.
follows her boyfriend to
night out, you’ll also receive an
Massachusetts and Harvard Law
exclusive signed poster by the
TERMS AND CONDITIONS One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu performances only) to see Legally Blonde The Musical at an ATG venue near you plus one goody bag, two house programmes, a signed poster and bottle of champagne. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and nonredeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final. 14
Style Style
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Jae Alexander, Music Director for South Pacific recommends The Very Best Of Glenn Miller to get you in the 1940’s mood. £3 amazon.co.uk
1 Uniform dress from Client
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London £220 clientlondon.com Silk scarf from Mango £9.90 mango.com
2 1940s tea dress from Peekaboo £210 peekaboovintage.com
3 Trenchcoat from Client London £189 Sweater £98 Skirt £98 Belt £34 from Anthropologie 15 1
anthropologie.com
5 6
12 11
Samantha Womack in South Pacific atgtickets.com
Stewardess dress from Client London £220 Necklace from Marie Laurie Chamorel £265 marielaurechamorel.com
7 Orange gloves from COS
Boots from Hobbs £279 hobbs.co.uk
9 Smith’s lipbalm from
Black and white Guildford loafer
10 Tales Of The South Pacific
from Hobbs £149 hobbs.co.uk
10
£45 cosstores.com
8 Marvis toothpaste from Anthropologie £6.50
Anthropologie £6
by James A Michener from Amazon £17.95
11 Glasses from Mango £22.90 12 NoNu bracelet from Olivier’s Lounge £95 020 7924 4321
14
13 Snakeskin kingsbow court shoes from Hobbs £179
14 Collection of Getty Images decades books 1900 - 1990 from Amazon £28.48
13
Client is the brand new label of utilitarian uniforms for work and play - everything is made in Britain. The Client collection nods to uniforms and office wear but interprets that feel with a knowing, modern twist. Think Military Chic... an English spy running down a Berlin Alleyway whilst listening to French Techno. clientlondon.com
All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers. Left image: US Armed Service recruitment poster 1942 courtesy of Getty Images
Feature by Mark Bouman
16
Going Out
Cities of Distinction
Images top l-r: Oxford Castle Oloroso lounge, Edinburgh Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh The Ashmolean, Oxford
From the treasures of antiquity to the latest boutique hotels - our pick of the season
Below: National Museum of Scotland Grand Gallery
Keep the winter blues at bay with
fashion label so expect brilliant
plush setting. ‘Magical, earthy,
furnishings and hampers in an
After the delicious curry dishes
works by young British artists.
a trio of cities guaranteed to
pops of colour and bold prints,
elemental,’ reports The Scotsman
array of houses while getting to
inspired by India’s many cuisines,
Not surprisingly, there is an
surprise and delight.
alongside five-star in-room touches
- just be sure to book early.
know the respective artists.
make a night of it by staying at
abundance of museums to choose
such as an espresso machine,
An especially atmospheric period,
the adjoining myhotel Brighton,
from in Oxford, yet The Ashmolean
Missoni bathrobe and free minibar.
the six-week run-up to Christmas
an 80-room retreat ‘where Freddie
deserves mention for its rich
From the cobbled streets of the
Perched on the Royal Mile, the
sees Edinburgh hosting a German
Mercury meets the Maharishi.’
collections devoted to art and
Old Town to the Georgian
central location is perfect as a base
market, big wheel and outdoor ice
grandeur of the new, Scotland’s
for days out.
rink. There’s also the legendary
Oxford Insider
capital is the place to be seen this
Not to be missed, the National
nightlife to enjoy. Specialising in a
Cultural getaways are ideally
winter. Since Edinburgh is best
Museum of Scotland has reopened
variety of entertainment since 1929,
suited to Oxford, an enchanting
year journey through the Nile Valley,
discovered over a long weekend,
its doors following a £47 million
the Edinburgh Playhouse will play
destination combining magnificent
open from the end of November.
why not boost your style
revamp to restore the landmark to
host to the incredible We Will Rock
architecture with fascinating
credentials by checking in to Hotel
its original Victorian glory. A new
You this Christmas. Book tickets for
heritage. Departing daily from the
Missoni? Design tops the agenda
entrance hall leads visitors up to
an evening show, then cap the night
Oxford Tourist Information Centre,
at this debut hotel from the Italian
the Grand Gallery atrium, which
off at Oloroso lounge where
provides a small taster of the 16
hipsters sip serious cocktails in
new galleries and 8,000 never-
panoramic rooftop surroundings.
Edinburgh Rocks
visitscotland.com/surprise hotelmissoni.com nms.ac.uk no12picardyplace.com oloroso.co.uk visitbrighton.com
seen-before objects to come.
brightonwheel.com
ashmolean.org oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk
and New Theatre Oxford 17
see atgtickets.com
Tholstrup, who creates tailor-made
difference. Newly unveiled on
fragrances to designer clothes in a
tours for small groups wanting to
the seafront, the state-of-the-art
historic town quarter characterised
head off the beaten track. Her
Brighton Wheel promises to
by its maze of twisting alleyways.
bespoke themed walks have
The Ashmolean Atrium
and diversity of global
transport visitors up and away,
With its well-preserved Regency
included Leaders from Oxford,
As December approaches,
cultures.
providing beautiful views of the city
auditorium, the Grade ll-listed
children’s literature and historic
shoppers in search of seasonal
and neighbouring South Downs.
Theatre Royal Brighton is a local
alehouses.
treasures flock to the German-style
spot of lunch - a short
As a welcome alternative to high
institution renowned for an
Any outdoor stroll demands a
Christmas market at Oxford Castle
cab ride will whisk
street shopping, the Brighton &
enjoyable mix of theatre, comedy
good-quality meal to follow. Quod
where local choirs and brass bands
foodies to Mark
Hove Artists Open Houses Festival,
and dance. Pair a matinee or
Brasserie, with its outdoor terrace
add to the ambience. Other treats
running over selected
evening performance with lunch
and bar, presents unpretentious,
can include tickets to smash-hit
weekends in November and
or dinner at the award-winning
robust Mediterranean-influenced
musicals such as South Pacific at
December, invites you into the
Chilli Pickle, a restaurant that
cuisine matched with reasonably
the New Theatre Oxford, located
homes and studios of regional
captures the buzz of an Indian
priced wines. Children are
on George Street in the heart of
artisans. Browse paintings,
street market through pared-down
welcome in the contemporary
the city.
sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, home
interiors and exotic soundtrack.
dining room that is adorned with
Time for a
restaurant at No.12 Picardy Place. This modern
Edinburgh Playhouse, Theatre Royal Brighton
up Hidden Oxford guide Felicity
Greenaway’s signature
For details of Hotel Missoni
and dreaming spires, while
everything from bespoke
excitement of science
quod.co.uk
acquainted with the ancient streets
its vintage and boutique shopping
for seasonal activities with a
the wonders of nature,
hiddenoxford.co.uk
tour allows first timers to become
Brighton is, of course, famed for
returning guests may wish to look
installations highlighting
visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
the University and City walking
traders of The Lanes, who sell
collection comprises
myhotels.com
visitors on a chronological 5,000-
so support the independent
years, this world-class
thechillipickle.com
Best of Brighton
Ancient Egypt and Nubia, take
Voyage to the vibrant south coast
Spanning over five billion
aoh.org.uk
myhotel, Brighton
archaeology. Five new galleries of
dining experience serves up the finest, seasonal ingredients that Scotland has to offer in a
Feature by Neena Dhillon
18