Ambassador Theatre Group
Big Laughs
Phill Jupitus Richard Fleeshman in Ghost The Musical Theatre Royalty
Derek Jacobi
Spring 2011
Keira Knightley Elisabeth Moss Ellen Burstyn Carol Kane Desirable 50’s dressing Puppets with pulling power Get set - go South!
Things to do, people to see
AmbassadorTickets.com
best
2 1
s Free, healthy and fun! Walk off the
3
festive flab while discovering the
1 Avenue Q
beauties of the British countryside
2 Bailey Balloon flights
in springtime. Downloadable
3 Derek Jacobi in King Lear
leaflets from the National Trust suggest walking routes across the UK by region or theme - boots on and go! nationaltrust.org.uk
s Treat yourself to an outstanding ensemble including Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) and Ellen Burstyn in The Children’s Hour at the Comedy Theatre. AmbassadorTickets.com
School for Scandal s Husband and wife team Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire, Joint s 50’s glamour! Vintage dress from Bang Bang, 020 7494 2042 s
and Ellen Burstyn set to wow
is right for King Lear
the West End
Puppet Power
Manchester Magic
Theatre Group top The Stage 100
Haunting - the Ghost phenomenon
list for the second time this year -
flies into Manchester
the industry bible’s annual guide
Silliness Reigns Supreme 5
to the 100 most influential people
prize-winning UK artist Anish
in UK theatre.
Kapoor’s first major show to be
Kingdom Come Derek Jacobi - why the time
Chief Executives of the Ambassador
Internationally renowned, Turner
held outside London in over a
1
Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Moss
3
7
13
Birmingham’s best
9
Cheeky but charming - Avenue Q
What’s On in London
Applause for the Alex
11
Looking on the bright side
Competition 12 Legally Blonde The Musical
with Phill Jupitus
Champagne, tickets, beauty treats and a night out at the Savoy Grill!
Red Carpet
14
A glittering launch party
Fifties Fabulous
15
Mad Men inspired chic
Days of Discovery
17
From Agatha Christie’s Torquay to handbags and heels in Woking - days out down South
decade opens at the Manchester
s Making a difference - sales of Life
Art Gallery in March. His incredible
water at ATG theatres across the UK
Orbit tower will mark the 2012
have made a major contribution to
Olympic Games - expect to see it
the drop4drop project in Zambia
Ambassador Group productions
rising over the London skyline later
and India providing clean drinking
this year. manchestergalleries.org
water to at least 10,000 people.
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 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 847 2293 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 847 2325 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 847 1661 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 847 1776 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 847 2426 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 847 2525 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 847 2484 New Theatre Oxford 0844 847 1588 Southport Theatre and Convention Centre 0844 847 2321 Sunderland Empire 0844 847 2499 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 847 2315 York Grand Opera House 0844 847 2322 Online booking at atgv.co.uk Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Al Senter, Jasper Rees, Nancy Groves, Lucy Johnston, Mark Shenton, Nicola Venning, 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 Michael Birt
of the
The Ambassador Theatre Group
Interview
allowed to serve alcohol, she got
recording - and I’ve been
century and I think that its author,
Carol Kane
up, left, found a bar somewhere,
nominated - and that would
Lillian Hellman, is an extremely
Elisabeth Moss
had her drink and came back.
make me a Quadruple Crown!
underrated playwright’ says Ian
Ellen Burstyn
Lillian was not somebody you
Awards are fun and it’s wonderful
Rickson, the director who’s come
said no to and she didn’t pull
to get them but you have to be
to the production fresh from his
any punches.’
careful not to let awards turn a
triumph with Jerusalem. ‘The
The reference to Oscar night
healthy ego into a giant one. For
psychological and emotional
reminds us that Ellen has collected
me, the work is what matters.’
complexity is really astonishing.
a number of nominations and in
Ellen has no thoughts of
It’s about difference and about
1975 picked up the Best Actress
retirement. ‘I hope to keep
being an outsider. The dialogue
Award for her performance in
working until I drop or for as long
doesn’t feel that it’s nearly eighty
Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live
as they’ll have me.’ she declares.
years old; it’s very modern. The
Here Anymore. The 1970s were
‘I was talking to Keira (Knightley)
play has terrific energy: it’s raw
a glorious decade for her
and Tobias (Menzies) the other day
and it’s bold.’
professionally in films as diverse
and we were asking ourselves why
Rickson points to Lillian
as The Last Picture Show, Resnais’ Providence, co-starring with Gielgud and Bogarde, and the
School for Scandal A world-class cast in the West End with The Children’s Hour
ultra-chilling The Exorcist. Considerable claims have been made for the status of the latter
‘
movie while others dismiss it as schlock-horror. Where does Ellen stand? ‘The film has just been accepted
Interview by
’
‘She was born and brought up in New Orleans but lived mainly in New York and there’s both the sensuous beat of the South and the New York intellectual in her plays. Having just read her memoirs, I feel connected to her in the way that you have to be when you’re directing a
For an actress who has so
Amelia Tilford, the powerful
realise that the play is all about
into the Library of Congress as a
conspicuously triumphed in every
matriarchal figure who takes
false accusations. It’s about
culturally significant work of art’
we actors put ourselves through
playwright’s work - connected
area available to her profession,
action when scandal threatens to
self-righteous people telling other
she points out. ‘There’s no
such torture. I think that we do
to that young woman of twenty-
Ellen Burstyn is anything but a
engulf a New England girls’ school
people what’s right and how they
question that in films of that
our job because being creative
eight in 1934, about to have her
grande dame. She is gracious, if
run by two close female friends.
should behave.’
genre, it’s the grandfather of them
is good for you. It’s a bit like
first play produced on Broadway.’
initially a little reserved, with a
What made her choose this piece
Ellen knew Lillian Hellman and
all.’ With her recent acquisition of
jogging in that it releases the
First performed in London in
personal warmth that becomes
as her first appearance on the
remembers her as ‘very grizzly,
an Emmy for her work in the series
endorphins that make you happy.
1936, at the Gate Theatre Studio,
apparent as she relaxes into the
London stage?
tough and plainspoken. She said
Law & Order, Ellen has now joined
I know I feel exhilarated after a
an experimental club venue in
conversation. Now in her late
‘I felt that it was about time
exactly what she thought. She was
the elite.
performance, even when the
Villiers Street, The Children’s Hour
seventies, Ellen is making her
that I did a play in the West End
present on Oscar night when I was
‘I’m told that I’ve won the Triple
material is downbeat. Somebody
has waited nearly seventy-five
overdue West End debut alongside
and when I met Ian Rickson, who’s
hosting the ceremony and we were
Crown, which makes me sound
asked me recently if filming
years to graduate into the West
Oscar nominee Keira Knightley,
directing the show, I was very
backstage. She asked one of the
like a racehorse.’ she laughs. ‘I’m
Requiem for a Dream made me
End. No doubt, audiences and
Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss and
impressed with him’ explains Ellen.
boys who are always buzzing
one of only eighteen people who
depressed. In fact, it was quite
critics alike will judge that it’s
Carol Kane (Taxi, Annie Hall), in
‘The Children’s Hour is a play that
around at the Academy Awards
have won an Emmy, an Oscar and
the opposite.’
been well worth the wait.
Photography by
Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s
isn’t done that often. And as we’ve
for a drink. When he apologised,
a Tony. All I need now is to win
‘The Children’s Hour is one of
Johan Persson
Hour at the Comedy. She plays
worked on it, we’ve come to
explaining that they weren’t
a Grammy for a spoken word
the great plays of the twentieth
Al Senter
1
It’s very modern. The play has terrific energy: it’s raw and it’s bold.
Hellman’s contrasting backgrounds as one of the keys to her work.
Comedy Theatre
The Children’s Hour Starring Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Moss, Ellen Burstyn and Carol Kane Box Office 0844 871 7622 Online booking at 2 AmbassadorTickets.com
Caissie Levy, Richard Fleeshman
Interview
Sharon D Clarke and Dave Stewart at Abbey Road Studios
manchester Magic Richard Fleeshman heads North to star in Ghost The Musical
Interview by Jasper Rees Photography by 3
Matt Crockett
the original screenplay. It’s got
was first unveiled when, at 13,
talent and style, with global
his blessing and he’s really keen
he became the youngest winner
ambitions, a thriving city centre
to keep hold of the magic that the
of Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes.
and a proud record of leading
film had, which is the reason it was
By 16 he was launching his
the way in music and the arts,
so successful in the first place.’
own singing career, releasing an
Manchester is the perfect launch
Part of the buzz created by the
album which came to the ears of
pad for this compelling new
film was due to the popularity of
none other than Elton John. ‘My
musical. Ambassador Theatre
Unchained Melody - one of the
manager gave me a call and said,
Group owns two theatres in the
most-recorded songs of the 20th
‘Are you sitting down? You’ve
city but plumped for the Opera
century and a four times number
got the tour slot.’ It came from
House over the Palace. ‘Although
one UK and world-wide hit. The
nowhere. Elton and I have been
it’s a big theatre with nearly 2000
song remains in the musical
friends ever since.’
seats,’ says producer Colin Ingram,
alongside a marvellous collection
The pop career is now in
‘there is a degree of intimacy. It
of new songs by award-winning
temporary storage as Fleeshman
doesn’t feel a huge venue. Intimacy
musician, songwriter and record
continues to find roles which
is important for us. A number of
producer Dave Stewart. Stewart’s
combine his two gifts. He was
our effects are illusions and the
influence is apparent:
lead in TV’s All the Small Things,
audience needs to see that.’
‘It does have a rocky edge which
a choir-based drama which tapped
Will audiences take to it?
sits really well with me...’ says
into the current enthusiasm for all
According to Fleeshman, it plays
Fleeshman, who with co-stars
things choral but it was really only
with the expectations of a musical-
Caissie Levy and Sharon D Clarke
a matter of time before Fleeshman
theatre audience. ‘Fundamentally
worked on the songs at Abbey
would be cast in a stage musical. It
it’s not a sweet story,’ he says. ‘The
Road over four days last year. ‘But
happened when he took over from
lead character gets murdered in
Manchester gets it first! Across the
Ballard (songwriter for Alanis
the late Patrick Swayze as the
there is such an eclectic mix within
Duncan James as Warner opposite
the first twenty minutes. It has
city the word is out; Ghost one of
Morrisette, Michael Jackson and
murdered husband of a woman
the music, I couldn’t believe how
Sheridan Smith in Legally Blonde.
love, revenge, jealousy, tragedy,
the most eagerly anticipated
Celine Dion) and directed by
played by Demi Moore, so fired by
far it swings from left to right.’
The part was ‘a godsend,’ he says.
heroes and heroines and villains.
musicals of our age opens at the
multi-Tony award-winner Matthew
love that he is able to hang around
There is quite an eclectic mix in
‘I’ve always wanted to do musical
I think it’s got something for
Opera House in March. Will it
Warchus (Art, Boeing-Boeing)
in this life and protect her from
Fleeshman’s back catalogue too.
theatre. It was nice to go into a
everyone.’
job of that size and calibre. No one can prepare you for eight
become one of the greatest stage
Ghost The Musical will require
harm. For the stage musical the
Television audiences will know him
musicals of the century? All the
a seven week get-in to
part of Sam Wheat goes to
as a teenage star of Coronation
signs are good.
accommodate the spectacular
Richard Fleeshman.
Street. He joined the soap at 12
shows a week in the West End.’
Adapted for the stage by some
magic, illusions and breathtaking
‘I think it would be foolish to
and left four years later. ‘Even
Ghost is destined for the
of the best story-tellers in the
special effects of Sam Wheat’s
ignore Swayze’s performance
though I’d learnt so much, I felt
Piccadilly Theatre in the West End
world, with music and lyrics by pop
in-between world.
entirely,’ he says. ‘But let’s not
if I was going to break out of that
but Manchester gets the ultimate
legends Dave Stewart (Eurythmics,
One of the biggest grossing
forget that this is a new piece by
mould it was the right time for
distinction of hosting the world
Travelling Wilburys) and Glen
films in the UK ever, Ghost starred
the writer who won an Oscar for
me to push on.’ His musical ability
premiere. Bursting with creative
Hear music tracks, watch the trailer and join our facebook site at ghostthemusical.com
‘Manchester is the number 1 place for musicals to happen before London’ Dave Stewart Manchester Evening News
Ghost The Musical Starring Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy, Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Langtree
Manchester Opera House 28 March - 14 May Box Office 0844 847 2295
Piccadilly Theatre, London From 22 June Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
4
Interview
anyone says: ‘I’m going to go to
Four other regulars, comedians
Hill.’ And why he is also ‘made up’
London for a weekend,’ where
all, have come and gone in that
to be closing the Spamalot show
I used to hand them a list of
time. Surely Jupitus must be
with ‘Always Look on the Bright
restaurants and museums, I now
approaching some sort of punditry
Side of Life’ by his long-time idol
just tell them to book tickets for a
record? ‘No, Merton and Hislop
and sometime collaborator Neil
good show. It’s the best return you
win that one,’ he corrects. ‘Have
Innes.
can get on your entertainment
I Got News For You has been on
‘If you look at it in reductive
pound.’
for 20 years.’
form, ‘Bright Side’ is a song about
Not an opinion you’d expect to
Jupitus loves the desk job but
inevitable failure,’ he reflects.
hear from Essex’s premier
feels no sense of ownership over
‘That’s why football fans have taken
performance poet and guitarist in
the show. ‘The producer tells me:
it on.’ He laughs grimly at the
comedy outfit The Idiot Bastard
‘We got 3.2 million audience
thought of his beloved but
Band - and Jupitus knows it.
figures for the Wogan episode’
floundering West Ham. ‘It’s a very
Compared to hosting the Leftfield
and I think, ‘So, 57 million people
post-British Empire song. We are
Tent at Glastonbury where ‘the
don’t watch us.’ There’s a side of
this little island and we had our
only thing you have to ensure is
me that’s always anchored in
moment. We all have our moment.
that you haven’t taken any
reality.’ When Buzzcocks got a bit
And we realise that’s enough.’
hallucinogenic drugs’, musicals are
bitchy under Simon Amstell’s
Except for Jupitus, who seems to
another world. ‘The craft and
stewardship, Jupitus almost quit,
go straight from one moment to
effort and training that goes into
persuaded to stay only by the
the next. Reading his Wikipedia
them!’ he marvels. ‘When you’re
arrival of a new team captain, Noel
page feels like trying to keep up
just the name to stick on the front
Fielding from The Mighty Boosh.
with a pinball machine. ‘The
of the theatre, you feel a bit of
‘It’s the daftness of the man,’ he
scattergun nature proves that it
a fraud.’
says admiringly. ‘I’ve always adored
wasn’t planned,’ he insists. ‘I never
It’s a sign of comedy’s current
silliness and Noel has a deep
imagined that I’d be wearing a dress
cachet though when that name is
appreciation of silliness. The Boosh
in a West End show. With every
best known - as with Jupitus and
are part of that same line as the
new thing, it’s been a case of:
Brigstocke - for appearing on a
Goons, the Pythons, the Bonzos
‘That looks like a laugh.’
sleeper hit quiz. Then again,
and the Goodies. I prefer daftness
If I can’t think of a reason
Jupitus has been on board at
to that more cynical comedy of
not to, I’ll do it.’
Buzzcocks since it began in 1996.
awkwardness. It’s why I love Harry
‘ Silliness Reigns Supreme Phill Jupitus presides over the court of King Arthur
Shaftesbury Avenue, rehearsing
‘lovingly ripped off’ from 1975 film
his new role as King Arthur in the
Monty Python and the Holy Grail,
has spent a lot of his career sitting
national tour of Monty Python’s
delivers in-jokes galore. For Jupitus
Todd Carty and Phill Jupitus Jodie Prenger
Spamalot Sunderland Empire* Starring Phill Jupitus and Todd Carty 28 February - 5 March Box Office 0844 847 2499
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Starring Jodie Prenger, Phill Jupitus and Todd Carty 28 March - 2 April 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7607
down, both as former breakfast
Spamalot. His costume is manlier
the appeal was twofold. ‘What
this time - marginally. ‘It’s actually
really drew me to Spamalot is the
longstanding team captain on
a sort of silver lycra,’ he says of
fact that it’s a parody. It takes the
BBC2 pop quiz, Never Mind the
Arthur’s chainmail. ‘Dare I say it,
piss out of the musical form while
New Wimbledon Theatre
Buzzcocks. So when, in 2009, he
there is a frocky element, but none
also paying tribute to a brilliant
not only joined the West End cast
of the sequins I got to wear as
comedy film. It’s an amazing piece
Starring Phill Jupitus and Todd Carty 1- 4 June 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7646
of Hairspray, but did so in a dress,
Edna. My final Hairspray costume
of work - ostensibly, the comedy
weighed 30 pounds. There’s
musical of all time.’
buffs and musical fans alike.
nothing near that in this show.’
And like good mate
The man had legs!
The draw of Spamalot is
Marcus Brigstocke, his
As did the show. In fact,
self-evident. Few British comics
predecessor in the role
Photography by
Hairspray was such a success
don’t cite the Pythons as an
of Arthur, Jupitus is a fan
Eric Richmond
that Jupitus is now back on
influence, and Eric Idle’s musical,
of the musical genre. ‘If
Nancy Groves
’
Graham MacDuff
show host on 6Music and as
there was surprise among indie Interview by
5
For someone who started out in stand-up, comedian Phill Jupitus
If anyone says: ‘I’m going to go to London for a weekend,’ where I used to hand them a list of restaurants and museums, I now just tell them to book tickets for a good show. It’s the best return you can get on your entertainment pound.
Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk
6
Interview
Kingdom Come Derek Jacobi gets under the skin of King Lear
Interview by Lucy Johnston Theatre Editor of The Richmond, Kingston and Guildford magazines Photography by 7
Johan Persson
done when I was any younger,
self-doubt - which, at their most
If they are good that’s wonderful,
I don’t think. It’s only now I feel
devastating, once caused him a
of course, and I’m immensely
I understand enough of life’s ebbs
bout of stage fright that lasted
grateful, but it would make me
and flows to be able to even
three years.
awkward to read them. But if
attempt to get under his skin.’
‘This role is starting to become
they are bad it makes you want
The intensity of this pinnacle
a little less terrifying now we’ve
to kill yourself, and that’s most
role has been widely recognised as
begun, but, being on stage really
inconvenient,’ he manages a
one that deeply affects the actors
can be fearsome at times. I try not
flighty chuckle. ‘My friends are
who take it on - and there is quite
to notice there is anyone watching
highly useful for gently keeping
a roll-call, although Sir Derek has
- I mean, if I eyeballed someone by
me in the picture, without me
been resolute in keeping the
accident, my God, anything could
actually having to read any of it.
influence of other actors’
happen!’ he looks genuinely
They will say things like, ‘you really
portrayals at a distance.
startled at the thought.
should see what is in the Evening
‘One is very much on the front
‘Shakespeare still surprises me,
Standard’ or ‘whatever you do
line of Shakespeare’s work with
even after all these years,’ he
don’t read the Times’ or ‘I don’t
So, history has been made. In
is possible to do justice to until
the Donmar stage, swinging his
this play. It asks so much of an
continues. ‘And I’m still trying to
think the Daily Mail saw the same
December, the king finally stepped
you are of a certain age and
legs and fidgeting with his hands,
actor’s emotions - we have to roll
do it well. There is no rulebook.
play I did’. It’s marvellous,’ his
into the shoes of the King. After
worldly wisdom. The Shakespeare-
almost childlike save for the white
out all our weaponry to tackle it.
The glory is in attempting to play
eyes twinkle again.
King Lear
over fifty years at the forefront of
devoted theatre community has,
hair and shrewd, watery blue eyes.
I can’t even entertain the thought
one of his characters. It ain’t wot
And with that the producer,
Theatre Royal Glasgow
Shakespearean theatre, and having
therefore, been holding its
I’m struck by how nervous he is,
of taking Lear home with me,’ he
you say, it’s the way wot you say
who has been prowling around
played nearly every leading role,
collective breath in anticipation
in some way apologetic for his
lowers his voice, ‘that way madness
it...,’ he jests.
protectively in the background,
Sir Derek Jacobi at last walked
of this moment since he turned
presence, and he is smaller and
would surely lie,’ then his eyes
He might be oblivious to it, but
announces my time is up. As
8 - 12 March Box Office 0844 8717 647
I can’t help feel this determination
onto the stage of the Donmar
sixty (an age they guessed he
frailer than I had imagined.
glint, ‘but a dry white wine after
quietly as he arrived, Sir Derek
Milton Keynes Theatre
Warehouse for his mesmerising
would deem appropriate). He
Somehow one doesn’t want to
the performance usually helps
to detach himself from the
withdraws, to prepare for the
debut as King Lear. It is not
is now seventy-two.
acknowledge that age catches up
do the trick.’
audience and hide himself within
evening’s performance - his eyes
15 - 19 March Box Office 0844 8717 652
something he has taken on lightly.
‘It’s not something you suddenly
with our great actors in the way
He brings an incredible level
the role is what makes him so
already focusing on a horizon
Sir Derek - in fact he holds two
wake up one morning ready to
of us mortal people. But, as he
of intelligent analysis to his craft,
captivating to watch. He is also
beyond this room, as he begins
knighthoods, Danish and British,
take on. I’ve been waiting a long
stresses, age brings great benefit
but it is visibly fuelled by a nervous
adamant in detaching himself
to slip into character. A character
an accolade only matched by
time for the circumstances to feel
to his craft.
energy that also makes him his
from what people think, and
which has finally become
‘Playing Lear is a worrisome thing.
own harshest critic, and he is
never reads reviews.
completely and rightfully
It’s not something I could have
plagued with powerful flashes of
‘God, no, I never read them!
his own.
Laurence Olivier - has always stressed Lear is not a role that it
right,’ Sir Derek shares. He speaks softly, perched on the edge of
Richmond Theatre 29 March - 2 April Box Office 0844 8717 651 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
8
Backstage
musicals may not be on young
Instead, however, it wound up
say, I’ve done that, I didn’t mean
people’s radar, we asked what kind
not on TV but first as an off-
to hurt that person but I did that.
of musicals do they like? They like
Broadway musical which quickly
It’s just so human - even though
animated movies like Disney
transferred to Broadway, winning
it’s actually puppets - but there’s
cartoons, and Sesame Street and
that year’s Tony Award for Best
a human heart to it.’
the Muppets. When Kermit the
New Musical (over Wicked, which
Adam Pettigrew, who plays
frog starts singing, no one turns
opened the same year); and then
Princeton - an English Literature
off to it so we thought, let’s do
it came triumphantly to London,
graduate worried about his future
something funny and relevant
where it played for over three
- concurs, and says that performing
about people like us, and make
years at three different West
the role via a puppet helps the
it appealing enough for people
End theatres.
show to say what it needs to. ‘It
to get over the hurdle of it being
Rachel Jerram spent some two
allows us to say things you can’t
a musical.’
and a half years in the show, first
normally say. With puppets saying
‘
these things, there’s innocence
The night we got the idea we filled an entire legal pad with the titles of songs, and thought we could write this for the rest of our lives! Each would be a different episode of Avenue Q - the racism episode, the porn episode, the coming out of the closet episode...
’
about it - it’s not done in a harsh way. And it’s refreshing to hear things said like this.’ He also identifies with the show’s theme about finding one’s purpose in life. ‘I’ve asked those questions, like do I stay in the theatre, which I’ve been doing since I was a kid. Is this
Thus was born the hilarious
covering for various parts including
the right thing for me to do? And
Avenue Q, ‘Sesame Street with
kindergarten assistant Kate
at the end, Princeton is still
sex’ as it’s been called - originally
Monster, and playing Mrs T. Now
searching; so it’s an ongoing
conceived as a TV show. ‘We
she’s back for the show’s touring
process. There’s quite a lot for him
thought of coming up with an
premiere, but this time in the lead
to learn in two hours!’
adult puppet show,’ says Robert,
role: ‘I obviously know the show,
Edward Judge plays Brian, one
‘and realised that every single
but it’s really lovely to come and
of the non-puppet characters, and
problem in adult life could be
feel like I’m learning it fresh, so
he says, ‘It’s a great relief for me,
turned into a funny, mock-
that I’m able to put my own mark
but it also means that I don’t have
educational song. The night we
on the character,’ says the bubbly
that fantastic medium to work
got the idea we filled an entire
26-year-old. It’s a show, of course,
through.’ And he’s also learnt that
legal pad with the titles of songs,
about life’s learning curves, and
there’s a big challenge in acting
and thought we could write this
she’s learnt a lot doing it. The
with puppets: ‘It’s surprisingly
for the rest of our lives! Each
appeal of the show, she says, is
difficult being a human playing to
would be a different episode of
that ‘everyone can relate to it.
a puppet - you have to make sure
Avenue Q - the racism episode,
People who don’t like musicals
you’re looking not at the actor but
the porn episode, the coming
always end up liking it. The lads
at the actor’s shoulder where the
out of the closet episode...’
can relate to Princeton - they’ll
puppet is!’
HHHHH Sunday Times News of the World Sunday Express Absolute Radio Magic Radio Smooth FM
Avenue Q
Churchill Theatre Bromley 14 -19 February Box Office 0844 871 7620
Richmond Theatre 28 February - 5 March Box Office 0844 8717 651
New Victoria Theatre Woking 21 - 26 March Box Office 0844 8717 645
Milton Keynes Theatre 18 - 23 April Box Office 0844 871 7652
Theatre Royal Brighton 2 - 7 May Box Office 0844 8717 650
Bristol Hippodrome*
Sassy, satirical, uproarious - it’s Avenue Q ! Musicals are more popular than
workshop in New York, they
creating a musical that
23 - 28 May Box Office 0844 847 2325
ever, but while shows like The
realised that they were dealing
communicates our love for the art
Sound of Music and South Pacific
in an anachronistic art form.
form without it being the kind of
King’s Theatre Glasgow
are all-time classics loved by all,
‘We’re weird - we grew up loving
thing that people wouldn’t like.’
it’s also important to have new
musicals,’ says Jeff, ‘but when we
Robert chimes in. ‘We felt we
musicals that speak to a younger
look around at our friends, they
wanted to do something relevant
generation. When Jeff Marx and
don’t necessarily. They think of
for people of our own age.’ And
Photography by
Robert Lopez, two long-time fans
them as being an old art form. We
Jeff continues; ‘We actually started
Brinkhoff Mögenburg
of musicals first met on a writers’
sought to find a way around this,
backwards: since old fashioned
Interview by Mark Shenton
9
28 June - 2 July Box Office 0844 8717 648 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk
10
What’s On
Competition
Buy Your West End Tickets Here apollo victoria 0844 871 7615
phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629
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
Keira Knightley returns to the London stage alongside Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) in Lillian Hellman’s visionary masterpiece. Ian Rickson (Jerusalem) directs.
The original high-school musical starring Lauren Samuels and Matthew Goodgame Must end 30 April
donmar warehouse 0844 871 7624 th
piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630
Wicked
The Children’s Hour
The 25 Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Prepare yourselves for the spelling challenge of a lifetime in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s hilarious Tony Award-winning musical.
duke of york’s Theatre 0844 871 7623
Ghost Stories
Direct from a sell-out season at the Lyric Hammersmith comes the most terrifying experience in the West End. ‘Awesome’ Jonathan Ross
fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626
The Woman in Black One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail
lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615
Disney’s
The Lion King 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
Cause Célèbre
A tale of love, betrayal & obsession, based on the true story of Alma Rattenbury (Anne-Marie Duff) who went on trial with her 18-year-old lover for her husband’s murder.
11
Blood Brothers
Grease
most iconic restaurants dating back to 1889. The menu is inspired by classic British and French dishes. gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill
Ghost The Musical
The dazzling new musical based on the phenomenal Oscar winning film. Ghost is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. From 22 June
playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631
Dreamboats and Petticoats
Winner of London’s Best Musical
HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub thumping fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph
Time Out Awards 2010
HHHH ‘Hilarious’ Daily Express
savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
Legally Blonde The Musical
HHHH ‘Sensational’ Mail on Sunday
HHHH ‘Perfection’
Starring Susan McFadden (Elle) and Denise Van Outen (Paulette) HHHH ‘Blows other musicals out of the water’ Sun
The Independent
Savoy Theatre
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0844 871 7632
End of the Rainbow
Olivier Award-winning Tracie Bennett takes the West End by storm as Judy Garland. HHHHH ‘A Star is Born’ The Times
Here’s a chance for you and a
Legally Blonde The Musical
To win two tickets to see Legally
lucky friend to win the ultimate
is the award-winning, hilarious
Blonde The Musical together with
night out - bringing a bit of sparkle
musical comedy which has wowed
a night out to remember, simply
to the new year. Enjoy two top
the critics and taken the West End
answer the following question:
price tickets to Legally Blonde
by storm. College sweetheart and
Ordinary Days
The Musical, programmes, a bottle
homecoming queen Elle Woods
What University does Elle Woods
of champagne in the interval plus
doesn’t take no for an answer;
New Musical by Adam Gwon Starring Daniel Boys and Julie Atherton. The hugely anticipated transfer of the acclaimed, exciting and vibrant musical.
attend to win back her love?
a goody bag each of fabulous
so when her boyfriend dumps her
beauty treats courtesy of Benefit
for someone ‘serious’ Elle puts
Please return your answer, not
and Bic. And that’s not all... to
down the credit card, hits the
forgetting your name, address
celebrate the opening of the Savoy
books and heads for Harvard Law
and telephone number to Ben
Grill - Gordon Ramsay Holdings
School! Legally Blonde The Musical
Prudhoe, The Ambassador Theatre
are also offering two pre-theatre
is the must-see show of the year
Group Ltd., 39 - 41 Charing Cross
meals for you to dine in style
and the most fashionable ticket
Road, London, WC2H 0AR before
before the show.
in town!
Monday 21 March.
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632
Book your tickets online at AmbassadorTickets.com *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
The Savoy Grill is one of London’s
Legally Blonde The Musical Starring Susan McFadden & Denise Van Outen Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com TERMS AND CONDITIONS One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 2 tickets (Mon - Thu performances until 26 May only) to see Legally Blonde The Musical at the Savoy Theatre plus two pre-theatre meals at Savoy Grill, a bottle of champagne in the interval, programmes plus two goody bags with assorted Bic and Benefit products. 12
News
Richard O’Brien
Warwick Davies
Cilla Black
Simon Callow
Ruby Wax
Tony Christie
Gemma Atkinson
Suzanne Shaw Jonathan Wilkes
David Suchet
Photograph of 2011 West End Company by Paul Coltas
Applause for The Alex
Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre is tipped for the top ‘Alex’, as it is also affectionately
stature to Birmingham, we will
known, is a natural venue for
start to bring back the audience’,
in Birmingham. Building on its
actors as the stage and auditorium
says Howard who feels that in the
successful re-launch last winter,
work particularly well together.
past, the theatre has suffered from
more high-profile, international
‘The audience/actor relationship
under investment and therefore
calibre shows are planned for the
in Birmingham is really wonderful
has underperformed.
revamped theatre over the next
and very intimate,’ says Howard,
The New Alexandra is one of
two years.
‘even though the theatre is a
sixteen regional theatres that
The exciting programme
venue of almost 1400 seats’.
joined Ambassador Theatre Group
includes musicals such as Grease
Though his lips are sealed at the
last year. The theatre is currently
(currently on sale for next year’s
moment, Howard will announce
in the process of an impressive
festive season), Corrie! a funny
some big drama productions later
upgrade, which when added to
and affectionate tribute to
in the year. The plays, like the
the cost of its annual maintenance,
Britain’s best-loved soap together
musicals, aim to repeat the success
comes in at over £500,000. As part
with the children’s classic Jungle
of Spamalot which kicked off The
of the improvements, theatre-
Red Carpet A star-studded launch for the new Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Book. More quality drama is in
New Alexandra’s re-launch last
goers will enjoy a new attractive
Main image Grease
the pipeline. ‘We want to include
December. 90% of the audience
façade and canopy as well as
Inset pictures Spamalot
Birmingham in our drama touring
in the four-week season visited
improved seating in the main
The West End stepped onto the
Britain’s newest theatre.
the wider world of entertainment.
For more information on a
circuit as well as creating new
the theatre for the first time.
auditorium - with more leg room!
red carpet at the new Aylesbury
Jonathan Wilkes and Suzanne
sparkling future programme that
plays which will premier there,’
Howard is confident that in a
‘We have a track record of turning
Waterside Theatre last October
Susan Hampshire, the Rocky Horror
Shaw entertained a capacity crowd
includes Spamalot, Siberian Ballet,
says Howard Panter, Joint CEO of
city as cultural and diverse as
buildings around across the
as a host of stars from stage and
Show’s Richard O’Brien,
outside the theatre before
Yes Prime Minister, the Royal
the Ambassador Theatre Group
Birmingham, this success can
country,’ says Howard, ‘and, with
screen marked a milestone in UK
Hollywood’s Warwick Davies,
national treasure Cilla Black - star
Philharmonic Orchestra and Ruby
and its Creative Director. ‘There
be repeated.
better, more targeted marketing,
theatre history. Two of the UK’s
dance star Adam Cooper, the
of the theatre’s first pantomime
Wax visit AmbassadorTickets.com/ aylesburywaterside
Christmas 2010 For future programme and to book tickets for the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham see newalexandratheatre.co.uk
13
The stars are coming out for The New Alexandra Theatre
Comedienne Ruby Wax, actress
really isn’t anywhere in
‘We hope it’s a virtuous circle;
there is no reason why this theatre
greatest actors - David Suchet and
gorgeous Gemma Atkinson and
Cinderella - cut the ribbon to open
Interview by
Birmingham that does large-scale
by bringing better productions of
cannot be in the premier division’.
Simon Callow - were first to step
recording legend Tony Christie
the house for the first time.
Nicola Venning
drama productions’, he adds. The
a higher quality and real national
onto the stage and formally open
were joined by well-wishers from
14
Style
Fifties Fabulous
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5
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Pearl necklace from Top Shop £7.50 topshop.com
4 Vintage dress from Circa Vintage 5 Vintage dress from Circa Vintage
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6 Man’s shoes from Paul Smith £185 paulsmith.co.uk
7 Clutch bag from Hobbs £79 8 Court shoes from Hobbs £119 9 Vintage Brooch from Bang Bang £12 020 7494 2042
10 Vintage Earrings from Bang Bang £60 11 Vintage-style bangle from Top Shop £8.50
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All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers.
11
Elisabeth Moss plays career girl Peggy in TV’s award-winning Mad Men alongside well-kept wife Betty (January Jones) and slinky secretary Joan (Christina Hendricks) - which style will you be?
12
10 Feature by Mark Bouman Wallpaper backdrop courtesy of Cole & Son cole-and-son.com Elisabeth Moss image courtesy of Rex Features
16
Going Out
Days of Discovery
Images top l-r: Bailey Balloon flights Down House, Bromley Brunel’s SS Great Britain
A trio of inspirational escapes
visitbristol.co.uk ssgreatbritain.org
Below: Kurt Geiger boots
Look beyond the capital this
authentic sounds and smells.
Cosmopolitan Torquay
the specially devised murder
residence that the legendary
Theatre Bromley and the New
season! Whether you take time
Once safely back on dry land,
Forming part of the English
mystery events.
Victorian scientist worked on his
Victoria Theatre Woking. The
to explore Bristol, check out the
be sure to walk the historic streets
Riviera, Torquay’s lovely waterfront
Of course, this destination is rich
theory of evolution. Drop by to
Richmond Theatre stages critically
resort of Torquay or enjoy the
of St Nicholas Market. Set amid
and palm tree-lined promenade
in natural treasures and the entire
see the study where the
acclaimed productions in the most
delights of outer London, these
Georgian architecture, a multitude
combine to give this South Devon
family is sure to be entertained by
groundbreaking On the Origin of
stylish of surroundings. The Grade
activities are guaranteed to put
of stalls sell all kinds of goods
resort a Mediterranean feel. By
an outing to Kents Cavern. One
Species was written, learn about
ll-listed theatre presents an emotive
a spring in your step.
and fresh produce in a quirky
visiting in the warm spring months,
of the most important Stone Age
Darwin’s ideas through a
version of Journey’s End in March
environment, open six days
you’ll be able to discover
cave sites in Europe, complete
multimedia tour narrated by David
followed by a compelling King Lear
a week.
picturesque spots overlooking the
with an extensive labyrinth of
Attenborough and be sure to stop
with Derek Jacobi. Tickets are
For family fun, why not head
bay without the summer crowds.
caverns surrounded by stalagmite
in at the hothouse.
selling fast!
to one of the world’s oldest zoos?
One way to get acquainted with
formations, this protected national
At The Lightbox gallery in
bristolzoo.org.uk baileyballoons.co.uk
from the exhibition Essential Accessories: Handbags and Heels at The Lightbox gallery, Woking
Housing over 400 exotic species,
the seafront is by following in the
monument is open daily for guided
Woking, highlights include The
as well as a new aerial rope course
footsteps of a celebrated former
tours that finish in an underground
Ingram Collection of Modern
for children who want to swing
resident - the Queen of Crime. The
exhibition chamber.
British Art comprising 300 thought-
alongside the natural tree
Agatha Christie Mile takes you on
Complete an action-packed day
provoking pieces spanning a
englishriviera.co.uk/
dwellers, Bristol Zoo Gardens is
a self-guided tour of 12 points of
with a gourmet dinner or show.
period of nearly 100 years. Don’t
events-and-entertainment
celebrating its landmark 175th
interest associated with the life
Foodies will want to savour the
miss the visiting exhibition,
birthday this year.
Michelin-starred cuisine served up
Essential Accessories: Handbags
Presenting a new perspective
by head chef Simon Hulstone at
and Heels, for an absorbing insight
on Bristol’s famous landmarks,
The Elephant Bar & Restaurant.
into the evolution of these fashion
including the stunning Clifton
Locally sourced seafood dishes are
must-haves from the 17th century
Suspension Bridge, flights with
a favourite but other British classics
to present day. Some designs
A city renowned for its culture and
Bailey Balloons last one hour
will keep meat lovers happy too.
have never been seen in the UK!
gastronomy, Bristol is also home
and are unique in terms of their
Alternatively book tickets for a
Weekend fun with a community
to one of the UK’s most popular
direction. Chilled champagne is
lively performance at the Princess
vibe can be found at the arts and
attractions. First launched in 1843
served after landing so you can
Theatre where the artistic choice
crafts market at Merton Abbey
to provide luxury travel to New
toast your journey in the sky.
ranges from comedy acts to ballet
Mills in Wimbledon. There’s live
York, Brunel’s majestic SS Great
If heights aren’t your thing,
to West End musicals.
music, delicious food and activities
Britain today forms the centrepiece
round off your day out with a
of an interactive experience
night at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Torquay’s waterfront
South of the River
designed to give visitors a taste
This city institution is known for
and work of the author. Staying
Journey to south London and
There are plenty of outstanding
of life at sea. Step back in time
putting on a great show and you’ll
with the crime theme, the Sleuths!
beyond to unearth varied cultural
theatres in the leafy suburbs
at the Dockyard Museum before
find yourself singing and dancing
Festival is a rare opportunity to
diversions. Located within the
including the New
boarding ship as a Victorian
to hit musicals such as Hairspray
hear thriller writers like Robert
Bromley district, Down House was
Wimbledon
passenger to navigate beautifully
and Avenue Q.
Goddard discussing their favourite
once the home of Charles Darwin
Theatre, the
Feature by
subject, while getting involved in
and it was in this peaceful family
Churchill
Neena Dhillon
englishriviera.co.uk englishriviera.co.uk/ agathachristie/christies-country
kents-cavern.co.uk elephantrestaurant.co.uk english-heritage.org.uk/ daysout/properties/home-ofcharles-darwin-down-house thelightbox.org.uk mertonabbeymills.org.uk For details of New Wimbledon Theatre, Churchill Theatre Bromley, New Victoria Theatre Woking and Richmond Theatre see AmbassadorTickets.com For Bristol Hippodrome & Princess Theatre Torquay 17
Kents Cavern
see atgv.co.uk
St Nicholas Market
Fascinating Bristol
recreated spaces filled with
conceived for kids and the young at heart.
18
‘i felt i might actually die of laughter’ the independent
TOURINGALOT ACROSS THE UK IN A.D. 2011 21 - 26 feb
cambridge corn exchange
01223 357851
28 feb - 5 mar sunderland empire
0844 847 24 99
7 - 12 mar
the ipswich regent
01473 433100
14 - 19 mar
alhambra theatre bradford
01274 432 000
22 - 26 mar
congress theatre eastbourne 01323 412000
28 mar - 2 apr aylesbury waterside theatre 0844 871 7607 4 - 9 apr
the orchard dartford
01322 220000
11 - 16 apr
de montfort hall leicester
0116 233 3111
18 - 23 apr
the grand theatre blackpool 01253 290190
25 - 30 apr
grand theatre wolverhampton 01902 42 92 19
2 - 7 may
hull new theatre
01482 226655
9 - 14 may
grand canal theatre dublin
0844 847 2455
17 - 21 may
grand opera house belfast
028 9024 1919
1 - 4 jun
New Wimbledon Theatre
0844 871 7646
6 - 11 jun
mayflower southampton
02380 711811
Bkg fees may apply
STARRING MEDY KING OF CO
PH I L L J U PI T U S
Visit www.spamalotontour.co.uk for all the latest information