Ambassador Theatre Group
spring 2012
Zach Braff All New People
Mr & Mrs Theatreland
Rosemary Squire Howard Panter
David Suchet
A hero’s return
Here We Come The Monkees Musical
HOTLIST!
Oliver! / Glam Rocks Seduced by Scotland
Things to do, people to see
atgtickets.com
The Ambassador Theatre Group
2 1 3
1 Long Day’s Journey Into Night 2 All New People 3 Dawyck Botanic Garden
1
Scrubs, sad Jews in New Jersey and Zach Braff’s sensationally funny new play
Working Partners
More Please! ATG Tickets
3
Competition
All In The Family
A Knight to Remember at Spamalot
5
A mesmerising return to the West End for David Suchet
Sweet Sensation 7
11
Your one-stop shop for the world of entertainment
Theatreland’s ‘power couple’ balance showtime and married life
Monkeemania!
9
We can’t get enough of Oliver!
13
Glam Rocks
15
Stompingly hot styles which nod to the dark side
Spring Into Action
17
From firth to froth… Scottish destinations from scenery to the seriously frivolous
14
It’s delicious - it’s Nutcracker!
The madcap Monkees musical hits Manchester
Ambassador Group productions 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 Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7607 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 871 7650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 871 7620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 871 7648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 871 7647 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 871 7651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 871 7649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0844 871 7646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 0844 871 7643 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0844 871 7645 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jasper Rees, Benedict Nightingale, Al Senter, Natalie Anglesey, Nancy Groves, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, 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 Hugo Glendinning Long Day’s Journey Into Night photograph by Sheila Rock
Life’s A Beach
Interview
I am very aware of the lottery win that is getting a hit TV show and I was never ever anything but appreciative of it. I miss the people and the going to work every day and just cracking up. That’s why I’m glad to be doing All New People. It puts you back in the world a little bit
characters have something in
a decade. As a boy he was taken to
Shakespeare on the back of which
common it’s that they are having
the theatre in Manhattan by his
he decided to try his luck in LA.
trouble dealing with that. And
father, a committed amateur actor
It didn’t work and, like his
it’s about what rescues them.
from whom Zach caught the bug.
character in Garden State,
In the case of Garden State it
One summer at 13 he was sent to
he ended up waiting tables.
was true love. And in the case
a prestigious theatre camp in
An audition for a new Albee
of this it’s the friendship and
New York State.
play took him back to New York
the kindness of strangers.’
‘I would weep when I left. It was
and when he didn’t get that he
Braff is keen to advertise that
heaven. I went for four summers.
was all set to throw in the towel
there not only be structural
Six weeks each. You put on a show
when his agent persuaded him
surprises, but also laughs - lots of
every three weeks and took
to return to LA for one last pilot
them. ‘That’s my favourite type
classes.’ Early on a talent scout
season. ‘First thing I went in on
of tone, where you can vacillate
spotted him, became his manager
was Scrubs. And it was that
between belly laughing and turn a
and put him up for auditions.
decision that changed my whole
corner and something quite serious
He read for a role in Big, in
life.’ Does he miss it? ‘I am very
in someone’s life has happened.’
Parenthood and then landed a
aware of the lottery win that
It’s a thematic tightrope walk that
part in a pilot produced by Bruce
is getting a hit TV show and I
won’t be entirely unfamiliar to
Paltrow which also starred his
was never ever anything but
Scrubs fans, with its trapeze-like
teenage daughter Gwyneth.
appreciative of it. I miss the people
swings between fantasy sequences
‘She was the gorgeous senior
and the going to work every day
and bedside trauma. ‘I always
and I was the dorky freshman.
and just cracking up. That’s why
felt Scrubs was like a comic strip.
And it didn’t get picked up, much
I’m glad to be doing All New
People think of the characters as
to my shock. At 14 I didn’t fully
People. It puts you back in
their friends. They just want to
get it but it actually was a great
the world a little bit.’ Following
check in with them for half an
lesson to learn very early on.’
sell-out weeks in Manchester and
hour. And that’s why the show
He decided he wanted to be a
Glasgow All New People arrives
worked so well.’
filmmaker and went to film school
at the Duke of York’s Theatre,
Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke
By the time he landed the role
in Northwestern University in
London in late February.
and Donald Faison in Scrubs
of JD at the age of 25 - he is now
Chicago. When he graduated
36 - Braff had been acting for over
he landed a series of roles in
courtesy of Rex Features
‘Sensationally funny. The jokes are delivered with the precision of ace dart throwers in this slick and lively comedy’ New York Times
life’s a beach Zach Braff heads out to The Island
Interview by Jasper Rees Photography by 1
Hugo Glendinning
Zach Braff is overwhelmingly
film and we were all set to go
it opened Off Broadway. Now a UK
known as the star of Scrubs, the
and then some amazing actor’s
production with a predominantly
hugely popular American hospital
schedule shifted and they
British cast, alongside Braff who
comedy which came with a side
couldn’t do it.’
as in Garden State plays another
order of surrealism. But fans of
When Scrubs finished he was
lonely Jersey boy. When the curtain
low-budget indie cinema will
free to pursue other avenues, the
goes up Charlie is attempting to
also know Braff for Garden
first of which was a play. The idea
forget that it’s his 35th birthday,
Duke of York’s Theatre
State, which he wrote, directed
came to him when he was looking
only to be interrupted by a young
and starred in alongside
for a summer house to rent for his
female English letting agent with
All New People
Natalie Portman.
father on Long Beach Island. ‘You
visa problems (Torchwood’s Eve
After this promising debut in
go down in the winter to pick one
Myles), an over-educated fireman
film, Braff retreated into silence.
out. It was so desolate and spooky.
and an extremely expensive escort.
Pinioned for nine seasons in a
I was so taken by the isolation and
‘Sad Jews in New Jersey is my
contract which made him available
the loneliness and it was like a
speciality,’ he advises. ‘If there’s a
for other work for only four
eureka moment: I want to set it
common thread it’s navigating
months of the year ‘scheduling
in a beach house in the dead of
loneliness. Ultimately you are still
things became difficult,’ he
winter.’ He wrote All New People
going though this journey of life
explains. ‘I tried to make another
over five months and last summer
on your own. If both the leading
Written by and starring Zach Braff with Eve Myles, Paul Hilton and Susannah Fielding Directed by Peter Dubois 22 February - 28 April Box Office 0844 871 7627 Online booking at atgtickets.com
2
Interview
broadcasting Private Eye records
meant’. And so she did, working
co-productions galore, including
from a radio he and his chums
in box offices in Nottingham
one with major repertory theatres
secretly built and worshipping
and Southampton, becoming a
in Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool
the Peter Cook of that great
part-time accountant and house
and Glasgow that means financing
1960s revue, Beyond the Fringe.
manager at London’s Albery
the discovery and development
Unsurprisingly, his scientist father
Theatre, rising to be General
of fresh local talent - ‘I can’t
wearily agreed when he asked to
Manager of the then Maybox
believe there aren’t any poets,
go to drama school - and, after
group of theatres at the age of 28
lyricists and musicians out there
doing everything from lighting
and, the very day they fired her
wanting to tell their stories’, says
David Storey’s plays at the Royal
while she was on maternity leave
Howard - and staging the results in
Court to helping Tony Richardson
with her second child, being rung
ATG’s large houses. A partnership
direct Nicol Williamson’s Hamlet,
up by a sympathetic and indignant
with the brilliant American
Howard became the producer he
Howard. So began a joint journey
director and choreographer Jerry
still is.
that saw their organisation grow
Mitchell should see other new musicals developed in New York
Rosemary concentrates on the business side and Howard is the creative one: ‘we both passionately care about live theatre’ they agree, ‘and complement each other’
and initially staged in London. Brighton’s Theatre Royal will become a hub of straight-play productions, starting with revivals of Pinero’s hilarious Dandy Dick and Bernard Pomerance’s Elephant Man. A musical about the Monkees and Zach Braff in his
Meanwhile, Rosemary had
and grow. In 2009 they were able
own comedy, All New People, are
decided on her future while
to spend £90 million acquiring
among impending London arrivals.
visiting her local rep, Nottingham
Live Nation’s 16 British theatres,
Commissions, notably a play by
Playhouse, where Richard Eyre
including the London homes
Penelope Skinner for Romola
was running a memorably
of The Lion King and Wicked.
Garai, should bring several more,
exciting theatre: ‘I stood on the
And that means ATG is large
How do they divide the work?
steps in the foyer after a great
enough to weather economic
Rosemary, who admits to being
party there and said, ‘I want to
storms, spread risks and take
good at maths, concentrates on
be a theatre manager’ without
initiatives.
the business side and Howard
really knowing what it was or
These currently include
is the creative one: ‘we both passionately care about live theatre’ they agree, ‘and complement each other’. And how do they manage at home? ‘It’s hard on the kids when you’re
working partners The married couple at the top of Theatreland’s power list
arguing about your work over
Manchester Opera House
the porridge at breakfast’ says
Legally Blonde The Musical
Rosemary, whose third child, Kate,
Simon Callow in Being Shakespeare
is Howard’s daughter, ‘but it means you can make decisions fast.’ ‘The shorthand is terrific,’ adds Howard. ‘I can tell from a pause and the way she’s pausing what Rosemary is thinking.’ And arguments? ‘We have our Richard and Judy moments,’ says Rosemary. ‘Not quite Who’s Afraid
Interview by Benedict Nightingale Photography by 3
Paul Clapp
This is the third year running
again. Howard Panter and his
Howard smoking at the back of
they’ve been joint number one,
wife Rosemary Squire are as
the auditorium owned by her then
ahead of Andrew Lloyd Webber
unpretentious and affable as
boss, Ian Albery - and tied the knot
and Cameron Mackintosh, in what
power people come.
in 1994 after ATG had begun its
The Stage calls ‘Theatreland’s
They met in 1979. Rosemary,
climb to success with an award-
power list’. And, yes, they share
who had just graduated with a
winning Carmen Jones at the Old
the post of Chief Executive of the
First in Modern Languages from
Vic and the acquisition of London’s
Ambassador Theatre Group, the
Southampton University, was
Duke of York’s Theatre.
largest theatre company in the UK,
working in the box office of
Actually, at school Howard
with a portfolio of 39 London and
the Shaftesbury Theatre where
might once have been voted boyleast-likely-to-succeed. He went to
regional theatres and productions
Howard, then a novice producer,
currently ranging from the Lincoln
was presenting what he cheerfully
a Gordonstoun-influenced school,
Center’s South Pacific to Matthew
remembers as ‘a complete
which meant short trousers even
of Virginia Woolf? I’m glad to
Producer, venue owner, ticketing operator ATG is unique in the range and quality of what it has to offer
say,’ adds Howard. ‘We’re quite competitive, each of us likes to be right,’ says Rosemary. ‘And Rosemary always is right of course,’ adds Howard. Cue a long burst of relaxed married laughter.
Bourne’s Nutcracker! But if this
disaster’. They became friends and
for sixth-formers, cold showers,
Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman
makes you think nervously of
fellow professionals - Rosemary
and freezing cross-country
in Ghost The Musical. Photograph
ferocious moguls, please think
remembers being sent to stop
runs. There he became a rebel,
by Sean Ebworth Barnes.
Online booking at atgtickets.com
4
Interview
it was only to be published
‘The play is an epic’ says Suchet.
Journey Into Night, he will return
twenty-five years after his death
‘It’s about addiction and there’s
to Poirot to fulfil his long-held
- presumably because it was so
a lot I have to discover about the
ambition to complete the Poirot
personal. He said nothing about
character’s alcoholism. The play
canon - every novel, short story or
the play being staged. In reading
is a huge, emotional mountain to
piece of writing in which Agatha
it, I realised that in effect I’d be
climb for us but to have this sort
Christie placed the Belgian sleuth
playing James O’Neill, Eugene’s
of challenge at this stage of my
(with one exception). The prospect
father. I’d be a voice for O’Neill in
career is really what gets me out
of bidding farewell to a character
his play and providing a voice for
of the house in the morning.
which he’s been playing, with
the writer is how I’ve always seen
Fortunately I’m in good health -
the occasional hiatus, since the
my job as an actor.’
you have to be fit to take on this
mid-1980s, is understandably
The scale of Eugene O’Neill’s
sort of role. When playing parts
daunting.
ambition in Long Day’s Journey
like James Tyrone, you have to be
‘I do have mixed feelings
Into Night places particular
a bit like a mountaineer and like
about it and already I’m a little
demands on the actor and, to
a climber, you have to take the
emotional at the thought of
an extent, on the audience who
ascent bit by bit and you never
completing the last of the five’
are asked to accompany the
look up at the summit!’
admits Suchet. ‘I started playing
Tyrone family on a gruelling
Once Suchet concludes the
Poirot when I was forty and I’ll
voyage of self-discovery.
West End run of Long Day’s
finish playing him when I’m
‘
sixty-six. I’m very pleased that I’ve persuaded them to film the
The play is a huge, emotional mountain to climb for us but to have this sort of challenge at this stage of my career is really what gets me out of the house in the morning.
last story first: I didn’t want us to make the films in the order they were written. There’s nothing
’
egotistical about it: when we finish there’ll be the sense of a lifelong achievement for all of us.’
David Suchet and Laurie Metcalf
Of more immediate concern is
in Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
David Suchet in All My Sons
and Suchet is delighted to be
courtesy of Rex Features
taking the production on the road prior to its arrival in the West End. ‘The better known an actor becomes, the more important it is for that actor to tour and to be seen outside London. Everywhere I’ve played recently, there has been such a wonderfully warm welcome from the audience, an appreciation that for once we were coming to them, rather than them coming to see us in London. We have a
All in the Family
wonderful cast and now we have to make sure that the production is as right as it can be. All credit to the producers for having the
David Suchet in Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece
courage to put on a play of this scale and of this weight in the year of the Olympics - it’s a huge privilege to be part of it.’
Interview by Al Senter Photography by 5
Sheila Rock
On the face of it, it’s a puzzle to
‘Ironically, I was looking to
actor who relishes carrying out
test even Hercule Poirot’s powers
follow All My Sons with a really
research, he’d so far contented
of deduction. Why should actor
good stage comedy!’ says Suchet
himself with reading several
‘This enthralling play - heartbreaking, tender, even funny’ Financial Times
‘The finest and certainly the most emotionally raw of American plays’ The Times
Long Day’s Journey Into Night starring David Suchet and Laurie Metcalf Directed by Anthony Page
Richmond Theatre 22 February - 3 March Box Office 0844 871 7651
David Suchet, fresh from last year’s
with a smile. ‘Then Kim Poster
biographies of O’Neill and turning
triumphant West End revival of
and Nica Burns, the producers,
to the internet.
Milton Keynes Theatre
Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, wish
came up to me and asked would
Having seen other Tyrones,
to leap back into the saddle so
I be interested in doing the play?
including Jack Lemmon and Olivier
12 - 17 March Box Office 0844 871 7652
quickly? Having given such a
I hesitated at first and then I
‘who was sixty-three when he did
gripping performance as the
realised that at my age (sixty-five),
the play and not in good health’,
guilt-ridden Joe Keller in the Miller
it was going to be increasingly
Suchet was surprised to discover
classic, he’s now limbering up to
unlikely that I’d be asked to
that the play had such a strong
tackle yet another monumental
play such parts again.’
autobiographical element.
role - that of the alcoholic actor
Talking in the first week of
‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night
James Tyrone in Eugene O’Neill’s
rehearsal, Suchet was only at the
was not performed in O’Neill’s
mighty Long Day’s Journey
outset of the process of exploring
lifetime’ Suchet explains. ‘In fact,
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Into Night.
the play and the character. An
he gave specific instructions that
courtesy of ITV
Theatre Royal Glasgow 26 - 31 March Box Office 0844 871 7647
Apollo Theatre 3 April - 18 August Online booking at atgtickets.com
6
Backstage
producer Michael Rose and actor
heard the first few bars of Hey,
band of
turned playwright Peter Benedict,
Hey We’re The Monkees, people
nine,
are hoping for the same success
were clapping along to the music
fabulous
story with Monkee Business The
even before curtain up.
costumes
Musical. Peter’s particularly
‘My son, now in his twenties,
and sets,
delighted that his long-term
thinks the songs are fun and that
the four
project - an upbeat, feel-good
to me is a good test that the music
leads are
entertainment using the hit songs
is acceptable to a wide age range.
aware that
of The Monkees - is finally coming
For those too young to
this could be a
to fruition.
remember the famous pop group,
golden opportunity. They’ve been
‘Nine years ago when touring
Peter explains the appeal. ‘The
catching up with The Monkees’
with my production of Satyricon,
Monkees were a fresh-faced pop
past history on YouTube and are
I bunged a tape in the deck of my
group consisting of Manchester’s
enthusiastic about the up-beat
car and within seconds had a smile
Davy Jones with Americans Mickey
story and already passionate about
on my face which lasted the rest
Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael
the music.
of my journey. The Monkees hits
Nesmith. At one time they sold
Ben Evans, like Davy Jones, was
I’m A Believer, Last Train to
more records than both The
a child star recently seen in Jersey
Clarksville and Daydream Believer
Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Boys. ‘We’ve bonded already and
captured my imagination - and
They were huge. But this is not just
we’ve only been rehearsing a
the idea of this musical was born.’
a tribute show nor do we tell their
week,’ he laughs. Tom Parsons,
Having the idea and making it
story. It’s set in the sixties so think
seen in Avenue Q, was surprised
happen are of course two very
Around The World in 80 Days
by the musical range. ‘Some of The
different things as Peter was to
and A Hard Day’s Night.’
Monkees’ early hits were written
discover. Would today’s paying
Monkee Business The Musical
by the likes of Neil Diamond and
‘In Monkee Business The Musical a frantic world tour leads to entanglements with a glamorous Russian spy, a Tower beefeater and a railway carriage full of nuns’
Carole King.’ Relative newcomer Oliver Savile has already toured in Mamma Mia. ‘My dad’s even more excited than I am because The Monkees are his generation,’ he beams. While Stephen Kirwan, who’s played the title role in Joseph adds,‘I gather The Beatles described them as a mix of the Marx Brothers and music - say no more!’ Peter Benedict’s quick to point out: ‘There’ll also be other songs
monkeemania! Feature by Natalie Anglesey The Monkees photograph 7
courtesy of Rex features
from that era including Millie’s My Boy Lollipop and Dusty
Monkee Business The Musical
Springfield’s You Don’t Have to Say
Opera House Manchester
audiences be interested in a 60s
tells the story of four innocent
You Love Me so I’m hoping we’ll
Exotic locations, far out cars, bad-ass chicks & The Monkees biggest hits!
boy band with an Emmy award-
boys who fall prey to an
have something for everyone.’
29 March - 14 April Box Office 0844 871 3018
winning TV series? The Monkees’
unscrupulous producer and are
While Howard Panter impresses
When Howard Panter, Joint Chief
shows, would prove so successful.
‘While Ghost was germinating
huge international fan base filled
tricked into impersonating one of
‘In times like these audiences are
Executive of the Ambassador
‘Ghost was the first of what we
and overnight changes were
the Royal Albert Hall on their
the most famous pop groups in the
looking for pure escapist, family
Theatre Group, launched the
hope will be many musicals to
being made so the product was
last UK tour but would anyone
world. As they struggle to conceal
entertainment and that’s exactly
Manchester Gets It First initiative
enjoy a world premiere there. It
streamlined and, at the same
below a certain age even know
their own personalities, a frantic
what we’re hoping to provide with
last year with the world premiere
provides a terrific opportunity for
time, we enjoyed over 100,000
who they were? Howard Panter
world tour leads to entanglements
Monkee Business The Musical!’
of Ghost - The Musical, even he
the creators to see what does and
ticket sales. Ghost repeated this
has the answer.
with a glamorous Russian spy, a
had no idea that premiering
doesn’t work for an experienced
success in London and is about
‘I attended a London workshop
Tower beefeater and a railway
musicals in the city, once known as
audience who’ve seen the best
to open on Broadway!”
of the musical to test its viability
carriage full of nuns.
the birthplace of many great
- and the rest.
Now ATG, in tandem with
and the moment the audience
With a cast of twenty, a live
King’s Theatre Glasgow 17 - 21 April Box Office 0844 871 7648
Sunderland Empire 24 - 28 April Box Office 0844 871 3022 Online booking at atgtickets.com
8
Interview
Dickens’ novel. ‘It’s such a dark
Nor was Barks fazed by coming
subsequent brush with the
piece. So when you add the proper
third, bagging the role of Sally
paparazzi has left her sceptical of
West End tunes, that’s what
Bowles in a UK tour of Cabaret
celebrity. ‘It’s something I’d never
creates something so special. The
and then the part of Eponine in
seek. I’d like to be respected for
biggest thrill is still acting the
the West End production of
doing good things and working
character and telling the story.’
Les Miserables, reprising the role
hard. Fame is just a by-product.’ Which is why, when Oliver!
I adore this character, a character who loves someone so passionately she will stand for things you shouldn’t stand for. She’s a strong woman but she puts up with a lot for Bill Sykes. He’s her absolutely everything
came knocking again, it seemed like the right fit. Did she hesitate over a second serving? No, says Barks. ‘When I did I’d Do Anything in 2008, I was really young to play Nancy. By this time last year I was thinking: ‘I feel ready to
At first reading, Barks’ own story
at the show’s 25th anniversary
play this role.’ A few weeks later,
can sound a bit Dickensian: the
concert at the O2. So impressed
they got in touch!’
young country girl who moved to
was producer Cameron Mackintosh
She enjoys sharing the stage
the city to make herself a star. Just
that he has now cast her in Tom
with children and adults. ‘Nancy
16 when she left her native Isle of
Hooper’s forthcoming film version,
is this motherly figure to the boys.
Man, Barks was in her first year at
breaking the news to Barks live on
And yet she’s also rough and ready,
Arts Ed Chiswick when she was
stage after an Oliver! performance
a prostitute who knows how to
selected for I’d Do Anything where
at the Palace Theatre, Manchester
sing a number in the pub.’ Barks’
despite being the baby, she
in January.
favourite song? ‘Oom Pah Pah,
impressed public and industry
Rumour has it she beat Taylor
because I really get to interact
alike, not least her mentor, Wicked
Swift to the role and will star
with the crowd.’ Not to mention
star Idina Minzel. ‘I enjoyed being
alongside A-listers including
the lyrics: ‘She was from the
pushed and the challenge a show
Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway.
country / But now she’s up a
like that presents,’ says her
But Barks is determined to stay
gum-tree ... She’s glad to bring
mini-me. ‘Auditioning live in front
grounded. The O2 Les Miserables
the coin in / And join in this song!’
of the nation you learn to receive
was where she met - and
Would Barks be heading to
criticism in front of millions and it
subsequently dated - American
Hollywood without I’d Do
makes you a stronger person.’
pop star Nick Jonas - and her
Anything? ‘You never know,’
‘Lionel Bart’s masterpiece’ Sunday Times
‘Oliver! is a smash-hit’ Evening Standard
‘More oom-pah-pah than ever! Astounding entertainment’ Magic FM
she replies philosophically. ‘Some people get lucky; some people don’t. Some people just work hard. I always say: stay positive. You have to work your arse off in this industry but you also have to believe that the right thing will come your way. And when it does, don’t stop there. Work even harder.’
More please!
Not the same blushing rose, that’s for sure. But, like Nancy, I doubt this girl ever was.
A second helping of Dickens with Oliver! on tour
Interview by Nancy Groves Photography by 9
Alastair Muir
From the bicentenary of Charles
Oscars at the last count. The recent
who loves someone so passionately
Dickens to this summer’s Olympic
revival at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
she will stand for things you
Games, London is throwing a lot of
was seen by almost 1.5 million
shouldn’t stand for. She’s a strong
parties in 2012. But the capital is
people after its Nancy was cast
woman but she puts up with a lot
not the only place celebrating. Just
live on BBC talent show, I’d Do
for Bill Sykes. He’s her absolutely
as the Olympic Torch will be
Anything. And now the same
everything. Then all of a sudden
heading out on the road, so too is
production is back for a UK tour,
this young boy comes into her life.’
Palace Theatre Manchester
Dickens in the shape of Oliver!, the
starring finalist Samantha Barks,
For a performer, says Barks,
smash hit musical based on the
soon to be seen as Eponine in
Nancy’s contradictions are a dream.
Neil Morrissey stars as Fagin Until 10 March Box Office 0844 871 3019
Edinburgh Playhouse
tale of Oliver Twist. Never has the
the big-screen version of
‘Making people feel what she
line ‘Please sir, can I have some
Les Miserables.
feels: the clash of her maternal
more’ seemed so appropriate.
‘I’m just having the best time,’
instinct and that woman’s instinct
Many a mantelpiece is required
says the 21-year-old actress, finally
to stand by her man. Does she turn
for all the awards Lionel Bart’s
able to swap her Saturday night
her back on Bill to do what is right
show has won over its five decades:
blue dress for Nancy’s red one. ‘I
for Oliver?’ Whenever she needs
three Tonys, one Olivier and six
adore this character, a character
inspiration, Barks returns to
Brian Connolly stars as Fagin 30 May - 23 June Box Office 0844 871 3014 Online booking at atgtickets.com
10
|Best availability on over 1000 events in the West End & across the UK | Straightforward seat selection & booking | Tickets you can trust
Your first stop for theatre, arts & entertainment ticketsin the West End and beyond!
Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615
Wicked s
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.
aTG theatre card
Winner of 7 Tony Awards, this smash hit sold out at London ’s Barbican and received huge critical acclaim - now on tour for a strictly limited period.
s
s
legally blonde the musical
The hot ticket on tour this Spring. Winner! Best New Musical 2011 Olivier Awards. ‘Right up there alongside Mamma Mia and Hairspray’ The Daily Telegraph
absent friends
by Alan Ayckbourn Alan Ayckbourn’s classic comedy of manners serves up a slice of deliciously black humour.
s Buy an
south pacific uk tour
Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622
today and join the 100 000 theatre lovers across the UK who are already enjoying priority tickets and great savings. You can use your ATG Theatre Card at 39 venues, including 12 theatres in the West End - all for £30!
Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624
Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623
by George Farquhar An unashamed celebration of love, lustiness and victory in battle and in the bedroom.
A new play written by and starring Zach Braff with Eve Myles, Paul Hilton and Susannah Fielding
the recruiting officer
all new people
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’
Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626
The Woman in Black
Evening Standard
One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail
The Old Vic 0844 871 7628
The duchess of malfi
Eve Best returns to The Old Vic in John Webster’s great Jacobean tragedy
Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630
The dazzling new musical based on the phenomenal Oscar winning film is a timeless fantasy about the power of love.
the lion, the witch and the wardrobe
Adapted for the stage by Rupert Goold Kensington Gardens 8 May - 9 September
‘Exhilarating. One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times
Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
legally blonde the musical
ghost the musical
s Threesixty presents C. S. Lewis’
Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629
Blood Brothers
Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631
Best New Musical 2011 Olivier Awards.
Dreamboats and Petticoats
HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub thumping fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph
s
Royal Horticultural Society
RHS Show Cardiff 20 - 22 April RHS Chelsea Flower Show 22 - 26 May RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 3 - 8 July RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 18 - 22 July
Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
Trafalgar Studio 1 0844 871 7632
Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632
Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632
by Neil Simon starring Danny DeVito & Richard Griffiths.
starring Simon Callow. Simon Callow reprises his celebration of the world’s most renowned playwright
starring Russell Tovey and Jamie Winstone.
A deliciously offensive fourhander comedy starring Ed Stoppard and Agyness Deyn
The sunshine boys
Book your tickets online
being shakespeare
sex with a stranger
the leisure Society
at atgtickets.com Your One Stop Shop *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7632
South downs / tHE bROWNING VERSION
Terence Rattigan’s one-act masterpiece and David Hare’s specially commissioned companion piece.
Sweet Sensation
Competition Spamalot
News
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! is a feast for the senses.
Grand Opera House York 20 - 25 February Box Office 0844 871 3024
Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 27 February - 3 March Box Office 0844 8717 649
King’s Theatre Glasgow
If you’re missing the selection
journey from a hilariously bleak
Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets
boxes already, this delicious
Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’
and fabulous costumes combine
theatrical feast has family-sized
orphanage through a shimmering,
with sizzling choreography from
helpings of choreographer
ice-skating winter wonderland to
the acclaimed Matthew Bourne
Matthew Bourne’s trademark
the scrumptious candy kingdom
to create a dazzling extravaganza
wit, pathos and magical fantasy.
of Sweetieland.
of dance.
Dip into Clara’s bittersweet
Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and
12 - 17 March Box Office 0844 8717 647
Edinburgh Playhouse 19 - 24 March Box Office 0844 871 3014
New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham
‘Utterly delicious a dazzling extravaganza’
26 - 31 March Box Office 0844 871 3011
Richmond Theatre
Sunday Telegraph
2 - 7 April
‘Devilishly clever imaginative wit this Nutcracker cannot be faulted’
Box Office 0844 8717 651
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 9 - 14 April Box Office 0844 8717 607
Sunderland Empire
Financial Times
16 - 21 April
‘Truly, truly scrumptious’
Box Office 0844 871 3022
Bristol Hippodrome
Independent on Sunday
23 - 28 April Box Office 0844 871 3012
Churchill Theatre Bromley 30 April - 5 May Box Office 0844 8717 620
Opera House Manchester 21 - 26 May Box Office 0844 871 3018 Full casting details and online
A Great Knight Out Win tickets to see the delightfully silly Spamalot
booking at atgtickets.com
l-r: Steven Pacey, Todd Carty and Bonnie Langford
TERMS AND CONDITIONS One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu perfs only) to see Spamalot at an ATG venue near you plus one bottle of champagne, two house programmes, a signed poster and Spamalot merchandise. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final. 13
Don’t miss a ‘great knight out’ at
Featuring show girls, cows, killer
receive an exclusive signed poster
the most infectiously funny musical
rabbits and French people, not
by the cast and crew of Spamalot!
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! King’s Theatre Glasgow Tue 21 - Sat 25 February Box Office 0844 871 7648
of the millennium. This is your
to mention hilarious songs and a
To get your hands on this
chance to catch the delightfully
great cast starring Steven Pacey,
amazing prize, simply fill in the
New Wimbledon Theatre
silly show that has had audiences
Bonnie Langford, Jodie Prenger
blank in these famous song lyrics:
around the world roaring with
and Todd Carty, you’d be mad
Tue 13 - Sat 17 March Box Office 0844 871 7646
laughter, and we’ve got a fantastic
to miss it!
‘_________ look on the bright
prize to keep you looking ‘on
We’re offering one lucky winner
side of life’
New Theatre Oxford
the bright side of life’!
and three friends the best seats
Lovingly ripped off from
in the house at a venue of their
Please return your answer, not
Tue 10 - Sat 14 April Box Office 0844 871 3020
Monty Python and the Holy Grail,
choice on the Spamalot tour, and
forgetting your name, address
Spamalot is the Tony award-
we’ll also treat you to a bit of
and telephone number to Alice
Bristol Hippodrome
winning musical by Eric Idle and
VIP luxury with complimentary
Gimblett, The Ambassador Theatre
John DuPrez which tells the
champagne, programmes and
Group Ltd., 39 - 41 Charing Cross
legendary tale of King Arthur and
merchandise. To make it a truly
Road, London, WC2H 0AR before
the Knights of the Round Table.
unforgettable night out, you’ll also
Monday 12 March.
Tue 17 - Sat 21 April Box Office 0844 871 3012 Online booking at atgtickets.com
14
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All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers.
Feature by Mark Bouman
16
Going Out
Spring into Action
Images top l-r: Dawyck Botanic Garden Scottish Whisky Experience David Livingstone Centre
Scotland beckons with a feast of culture, nature and indulgence Stravaigin is a quirky West End
Royal features the cream of
Enticing Edinburgh
coffee shops and tearooms. Try
alike need only look north for
bar/restaurant where the ‘Think
home-grown talent with Scottish
Scotland’s capital can’t be beaten
Loopy Lorna’s Tea House at the
short breaks designed to refresh
Global, Eat Local’ ethos encourages
Opera’s The Rake’s Progress in
for designer shopping, so why not
Church Hill Theatre for its
diners to wander off the beaten
March and Scottish Ballet’s A
splash a little cash at cosmopolitan
home-made cakes and specially
track through a menu that
Streetcar Named Desire in April.
Multrees Walk? The very definition
blended loose-leaf teas. A
of luxury shopping, this desirable
diversion here will allow you to
street is the home to global brands
explore the well-heeled suburb of
showcases Scottish produce next to dishes from more exotic climes.
The Great Outdoors
Islay scallops and Perthshire pigeon
A visit to Scotland would not be
and hip fashion labels, from
Morningside, known locally for
vie for attention alongside spice
complete without experiencing its
Armani and Mulberry to Firetrap
specialist shops and small
route curries and Thai-style
stunning countryside. Accessible
and Reiss. Scotland’s only Harvey
restaurants.
mussels, all conceived by a culinary
from both Glasgow and
Nichols should also prove
Finish a special day with an
team that has been praised by
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & The
irresistible so complete a spending
evening spent enjoying the world
Michelin for serving great food
Trossachs National Park covers 720
spree with a well-deserved martini
class musical theatre staged at the
at moderate prices.
square miles of gorgeous scenery,
bats, owls and foxes.
at the Forth Floor Bar, overlooking
Edinburgh Playhouse. Celebrities
For a privileged insight into
from rolling lowland landscapes in
Found east of Edinburgh, in a
the distant Firth of Forth.
from Marlene Dietrich to U2 have
the work of Glasgow-born Charles
the south to high mountains in the
superb location overlooking the
If your preferred tipple has a
visited the entertainment venue
Rennie Mackintosh - the renowned
north, with an abundance of lochs
sea and sandy beaches of North
distinctly Scottish flavour, head
since it opened back in 1929, so
Art Nouveau architect and
and rivers, forests and shaded
Berwick, the Scottish Seabird
to the Scotch Whisky Experience
you’ll be in good company.
designer - take a tour of the
woodlands in between. The daily
Centre uses state-of-the-art cameras where a new Morning Masterclass,
Scotland’s largest city refuses to
private interiors of The Glasgow
waterbus service, running from
to beam live close-up images of
scheduled daily at 10am between
play second fiddle, entertaining
School of Art. Demand is high
April, is a good way to visit key
marine birds and wildlife back to
Monday and Friday, invites
millions of visitors with a heady
for the guided walks around the
destinations around Loch Lomond.
its Discovery Centre. Those seeking
participants to explore the
mix of world-class art, imposing
Mackintosh Building, so booking
Queen Elizabeth and Argyll Forest
a more personal encounter can
characteristics of lesser-known
architecture, vibrant nightlife and
in advance is advised if you want
Parks, meanwhile, offer excellent
enjoy one of the ‘seafari’ boat trips
whiskies. Ideal for small
fine cuisine. Fittingly Glasgow is
to discover the place that heralded
woodland cycling and walking
out to renowned island sanctuaries
groups, there is a chance to
also home to Scotland’s AA Hotel
the birth of a new style of 20th
trails for everyone from families
accompanied by knowledgeable
learn some of the stories
of the Year. Formerly the
century architecture.
to experienced mountain bikers.
guides.
behind the record-breaking
headquarters of the Royal Scottish
One of the country’s most
Within easy reach of Glasgow,
Dawyck Botanic Garden, near
collection of Scotch whisky
Automobile Club, Blythswood
historic theatres, The King’s has
the David Livingstone Centre in
picturesque Peebles in the Scottish
stored carefully onsite. Then
Square has been lovingly
been entertaining appreciative
Blantyre celebrates the
Borders, is the perfect antidote
it’s time for an hour-long
transformed into a five-star city
audiences for over a hundred
achievements of the Scottish
to city life. This breathtaking
tasting and nosing, followed
centre property replete with
years. This March sees the venue
explorer and hero of the Victorian
arboretum blooms in spring, with
by a fun sensory perception
Georgian panelling, objets d’art,
hosting a range of stand-up
age. Livingstone’s legacy is
swathes of snowdrops and daffodils
test. If the idea of a stiff drink
Deco-style chandeliers and an
stars as part of the Glasgow
highlighted in the museum, which
complementing sumptuous displays
first thing is too much however,
award-winning spa.
International Comedy Festival.
is nestled in 20 acres of adjoining
of rhododendrons, azaleas and
Edinburgh also has its fair
Another Glaswegian favourite,
Meanwhile, the Glasgow Theatre
parkland, a haven for resident
blue Himalayan poppies.
share of outstanding
visitscotland.com townhousecompany.com stravaigin.co.uk
glasgowcomedyfestival.com lochlomond-trossachs.org nts.org.uk seabird.org rbge.org.uk multreeswalk.co.uk scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk loopylornas.com For details of The King’s Theatre, Theatre Royal Glasgow and Edinburgh Playhouse see atgtickets.com Feature by 17
Neena Dhillon
National Park
Urbanites and country lovers
and revive.
gsa.ac.uk/visit-gsa/
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Stravaigin
Glasgow in Style
Loopy Lorna’s Tea House
Below: Puffins on the Isle of May Scottish Seabird Centre Photo by Greg McVean