ATG Magazine Summer 2015

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

RIVIERA RAZZMATAZZ Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical

HOTLIST!

LOVE ME TENDER LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO HOTEL/THEATRE ESCAPES

Summer 2015

FOOTBALL MAD

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

MARK RYLANCE

IESTYN DAVIES IN FARINELLI AND THE KING

A STAR IS BORN

LARA PULVER IN GYPSY

SUMMER

OF THE BEST SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES! Still defying gravity every night of the week, Wicked won the This Morning Audience Award at the 2015 Oliviers. See the spellbinding tale of the Witches of Oz at the Apollo Victoria in London this summer. www.atgtickets.com

MARK RYLANCE Famously described by Steven Fry as ‘the best stage actor in the world’ Mark Rylance stars in Claire van Kampen’s Farinelli & The King at the Duke of York’s Theatre for twelve weeks only from 14 September. www.atgtickets.com

PUTTING ON THE RITZ

SOUNDSCAPES - LISTENING TO PAINTINGS Get a unique perspective on some of the works of art in the National Gallery’s permanent collection when musicians, composers and sound artists from DJ Jamie XX to wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson bring new music and sound art into the Sainsbury wing.

National Gallery 8 July - 6 September nationalgallery.org.uk

A three course dinner at The Ritz one of the Leading Hotels of the World group - plus tickets to a show and a glass of champagne? Sounds like a dream night out. Pick up best available tickets to Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre or Sunny Afternoon at the Harold Pinter Theatre - and live it up with this VIP package. www.lovetheatre.com

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT - THE MUSICAL Back by popular demand, this wildly funny hit musical starring Duncan James (Blue) is the ultimate party night out. Based on the smash-hit movie, a hit parade of dancefloor classics from It’s Raining Men to Boogie Wonderland will take you on a journey to the heart of fabulous! www.atgtickets.com

ON TREND FOR SUMMER Lake Keitele Akseli Gallen-Kallela 1905

‘Nina’ sunglasses

by Tom Ford £208 tomford.com/eyewear

CONTENTS

1 SINGING FOR HIS SUPPER Step into the candlelit world of the

Spanish court - with Mark Rylance

and Iestyn Davies in Farinelli & the King

3

ON THE BALL

beautiful game in Bend It Like Beckham

5

COPS & ROBBERS

on the Riviera - with Mark Benton

7

COMPETITION

Jamie Campbell Bower is all over the

Scandals, swindles and spending sprees

Win a VIP night out at our fave British comedy East is East Inala Ladysmith Black Mambazo

8

TO EUROPE & BEYOND

news for the theatregoer

9

ATG TICKETS

11

GUITAR MAN

by Elvis Presley - Love Me Tender

13

ON FIRE

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

14

SIREN SONG

and Imelda Staunton in Sondheim’s

From Berlin to Birmingham - it’s good

The UK’s summer entertainment - sorted

All shook up over a new musical inspired

Setting the stage alight - with

Ones to watch - Sherlock star Lara Pulver masterpiece Gypsy

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Gypsy

15

TRAVEL STYLE

17

SUMMER CITIES

Globetrotting from luxury to laid-back

AMBASSADOR GROUP PRODUCTIONS / AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP LONDON THEATRES Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 The Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622 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 New 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 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3019 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 871 7651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 871 3021 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 BROADWAY THEATRES The Lyric Theatre Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jo Caird, Al Senter, Benedict Nightingale, Victoria Kingston, Lucy Johnston, Mark Bouman, David Bradbury, Nicole Logan Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Ltd 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 Jay Brooks and Paul Rider

Summer breaks all sewn up

INTERVIEW

Iestyn Davies

SINGING

for his SUPPER OPERA STAR IESTYN DAVIES ON TALENT, TRYING SOMETHING NEW AND SHARING A STAGE WITH MARK RYLANCE

I

Interview by Jo Caird

Photography by Marc Brenner 1

t was only when Iestyn Davies told friends about

to him,’ says Davies. ‘I never thought this play was

his latest role, playing a famous 18th-century

funny until he started doing it.’

castrato opposite Mark Rylance’s Philippe V

That’s not particularly surprising, given the subject

of Spain at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at

matter. Played in candlelight, Farinelli and the King tells

Shakespeare’s Globe, and was accused of name-

the true story of Queen Isabella of Spain’s attempt to

dropping, that the celebrated counter tenor realised

alleviate her husband’s depression by hiring one of the

what he was in for. ‘I met him when he came to a

biggest opera stars of the day to sing for him. Farinelli

concert with Claire (van Kampen). Someone said,

comes to the Spanish court for what he imagines will

‘Mark Rylance is out there, and then I knew.’

be a handful of private recitals, but ends up staying so

Rylance and van Kampen have been married for

long that he never performs in public again.

25 years and have worked together on a number of

Davies shares the role of Farinelli with Sam Crane,

projects, including the BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall,

an actor seen most recently on the West End stage in

for which van Kampen wrote the music and in which

last year’s adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984. While

Rylance starred as Thomas Cromwell.

Crane interacts with Rylance and the rest of the cast

It was clear to Iestyn from day one of rehearsals,

as Carlo Broschi - Farinelli’s offstage persona - Davies

that he was ‘in the presence of somebody very, very

is akin to ‘a hologram that walks on and sings’.

talented’. ‘There’s something about Mark that reminds

Two performers playing the same part is a strange

me of the greatest comedians, in the sense that he’s

conceit, the singer admits, but one that feels totally

not trying to be funny, but there’s an endearing quality

natural in the context of the piece. He likens it to

puppetry - the presence of the puppeteers is obvious

the road from the Duke of York’s Theatre, where

at first but before long all you see are the characters

Farinelli will be playing. ‘This is just another avenue for

they’re bringing to life.

them to go and investigate.’

Davies was familiar with Farinelli’s work, but less

It goes the other way too, with Davies relishing the

so than with some of the other castrati of the period

opportunity to try something entirely new - not an

because the two men’s range is actually quite different.

opera, where he’s playing a character, or a concert,

‘The reason Claire asked for me was because she

where he’s interacting with the audience as himself -

‘THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARK THAT REMINDS ME OF THE GREATEST COMEDIANS, IN THE SENSE THAT THERE’S AN ENDEARING QUALITY TO HIM. I NEVER THOUGHT THIS PLAY WAS FUNNY UNTIL HE STARTED DOING IT’ knew me and liked my voice,’ says Davies. ‘I originally

but a project in which he was ‘just being’.

said, ‘No, Farinelli’s not my thing, it’s too high’, and she

Saying yes to the role was ‘a no-brainer,’ he recalls.

said that it’s really about Farinelli coming to terms with

‘You’re working at the highest level. You’re with people like Mark, and you’re being watched by people every

‘A CELEBRATION OF THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF MUSIC & HOW IT CAN TRANSFORM US’

night for 57 nights. That never happens in an opera.’ ■

DAILY TELEGRAPH his fame and going to sing to the king. It’s about the beauty of his voice, the giving of some sort of music therapy to somebody, and they just so happen to be a king and a very famous singer.’

So rather than picking the repertoire with historical

Mark Rylance

accuracy in mind, they

Iestyn Davies

selected arias to fit Davies’ voice, putting together a programme that includes ‘a couple of things which Farinelli sang and definitely stuff that he never sang but would’ve known’. Some pieces have also been shortened, says Davies.

‘It’s quite clear from a playwright’s point of view that there’s only so much music the audience can take if it’s not an opera. The main thing is to get across the greatness of the period of the music and the voice. If a couple of people go away saying, ‘He never sung those arias’, I don’t think it’s to the

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE

detriment of the play.’

FARINELLI AND THE KING

It’s Davies’ hope, in fact, that West End audiences will be inspired to learn more about this world. ‘You trust that most people that go to the theatre are reasonably like-minded,’ he says, pointing out that the London Coliseum, home of English National Opera, is just across

Mark Rylance

From 14 September 2015 A new play by Claire van Kampen starring Mark Rylance, Sam Crane and Iestyn Davies in the singing role which will be shared with Rupert Enticknap and Owen Willets Box Office 0844 871 7623 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 2

INTERVIEW

On THE BALL

FROM TWILIGHT TO HARRY POTTER, A-LISTER JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER MAKES ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

T

here must be easier ways of making your

both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

professional stage debut than in the full

And he even found himself working alongside Johnny

glare of a brand-new West End musical.

Depp and director Tim Burton, two of his heroes, in

However, Jamie Campbell Bower is

the latter’s film version of Sweeney Todd where he

undaunted by the excitement surrounding Bend It Like

played Anthony Hope. Bend It Like Beckham may

Beckham. To judge by the frequency with which Jamie

mark his first venture into the West End but Jamie

is captured in the flash of a paparazzo’s camera, he is

has accumulated ample stage experience through

a familiar face in the glamorous world where music,

his work with the National Youth Music Theatre.

fashion and cinema meet. More often than not there

‘I love a challenge,’ admits Jamie. ‘I became a

is a languid beauty hanging on Jamie’s arm and he

working actor at the age of eighteen, focussing on

recently made the Top Ten in a magazine survey of

film and television. I suppose the fact that’s it’s my first

the world’s fifty sexiest men alongside Jamie Dornan

time in the professional theatre does ramp things up

and Benedict Cumberbatch. Armed with such

a bit which is why I’m so grateful to the producer Sonia

incriminating detail, one would have been forgiven for

Friedman for having such faith in me and showing me

Above: Jamie Campbell Bower

disliking Jamie on sight but he turns out to be a boyish

such loyalty.’

Interview by Al Senter

charmer whose boundless enthusiasm threatens to fill

It didn’t take him long to realise his ambition of

Staged photography by Uli Weber

his modest dressing room at the Phoenix to the brim.

working with Messrs Depp and Burton. How was the

Production photography by

Jamie has thoroughly earned his acting stripes in

experience? ‘They were every bit as awesome as I was

Ellie Kurttz

such powerful franchises as the Twilight saga and in

expecting.’ Jamie replies. ‘I went on set on the first day

3

of shooting. I had no idea what to do - no idea of what

his life before.’

was meant by hitting your marks. Then Johnny came

What strikes Jamie about the transformation of film

up to me and introduced himself. They then switched

into musical? ‘I think that the process has enhanced

on this massive wind machine and Johnny joked that

the themes of the film and brought together the

it was my biggest fan. I started to wonder if this would

worlds of East and West - you hear the Punjabi

be how I was going to live my life from now on.’

instruments and western instruments being played

Jamie is discovering how in the theatre ‘there is the

together. In becoming a musical, Bend It Like Beckham

joy and fulfilment when something you do or say gets

has added an extra layer. And the music helps to

an instant response. And in the theatre you notice how

underline the emotional moments in the show.’ From

a company comes together during rehearsals, almost

a staunchly musical background - both parents are

before your eyes. Whereas when you’re making a film

in the music business - he has never wanted to be

you don’t always meet or have scenes with other

anything other than a performer.

people in the movie, in the theatre you can still see

‘I would have been happy just to be in the chorus-line

what everybody else is doing and I think that watching

or playing the third tree from the left. These days, I try

has helped me become a better actor.’

not to be too neurotic about the way things are going

Jamie is doing his best to banish all thoughts of the

and not to worry if I’m not seen for things. To an

film version of Bend It Like Beckham from his mind. ‘I

extent, I feel I’ve shrunk back into myself and become

very much respect what Jonathan (Rhys-Meyers) did

more fatalistic. If things happen, then they happen.’

with the character in the movie but now it’s my job to

‘Without getting too heavy about it, I’d say that the

give audiences my interpretation of Joe. I think that

story of Bend It Like Beckham speaks powerfully about

he lives his life semi-vicariously through the girls he’s

how far we have come in the process of integration

coaching. He was training to be a professional

but also how much further we have to go. It also

footballer until he suffered the injury that ended his

carries with it a message of hope that a young woman

career. I sense that he’s never let anybody else into

can realise her aspirations. Above all, it’s a lot of fun.’ ■

Gurinder Chadha

A FUNNY, GLORIOUS, UPLIFTING MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE MUCH-LOVED FILM PHOENIX THEATRE

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM Until 24 October 2015 Directed by Gurinder Chadha with choreography and musical staging

by Aletta Collins. Written by Paul Mayeda Berges and Gurinder Chadha.

Score by Howard Goodall, lyrics by Charles Hart and orchestrations by Howard Goodall and Kuljit Bhamra Box Office 0844 871 7629 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 4

INTERVIEW

Direct from the West End

‘ONE OF THE BEST MUSICAL THEATRE NIGHTS OF THE YEAR’

Interview by Benedict Nightingale Photography by Paul Rider 5

WHATSONSTAGE.COM

Cops & Robbers COMIC CHAMELEON MARK BENTON STEALS THE SHOW IN DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

W

hen we met, during a rehearsal for

he doesn’t necessarily mind if these are small as long

the tour of the musical Dirty Rotten

as they are interesting: which is why he played a

Scoundrels, the big, grizzled, rumpled

nice-seeming but sinister copper in a recent episode

Mark Benton looked more like

of Father Brown and why he’ll soon be briefly seen as

Paddington Bear’s affable great-uncle, than the actor

an old-style comedian - ‘a sexist, racist pig, horrible,

who became so famous as the smug nerd in the

but fun to play’ - in a film about Lenny Henry’s life.

Nationwide ads that he often stayed indoors rather

Equally, it’s important to him to ‘try to put yourself in

than face more strangers shouting catchphrases at

the shoes of the darkest characters, to find something

him in the street.

to like about them’.

Mark Benton has dressed as the Lion King to perform

He likes, he says, to challenge himself in every

a stately samba on Strictly Come Dancing. He’s been

medium, but had been so long away from the stage

Edna Turnblad, the portly laundress at the heart of the

that he was ‘petrified’ when he appeared in a London

musical Hairspray. He was also Daniel ‘Chalky’ Chalk,

revival of Trevor Griffiths’s great Comedians in 2008.

the beloved maths teacher in the TV series, Waterloo

But that was a success, as was his next big challenge, the heroine’s hilariously bloated

Road. He is, he jokes in his unpretentious way, a ‘chameleon’ - one whose film, television and theatre roles have been eye-poppingly various.

And so it continues. Benton was completing a film shoot in

★★★★ DAILY TELEGRAPH | SUNDAY TIMES GUARDIAN | EVENING STANDARD MAIL ON SUNDAY

between rehearsals for the role of Andre, the corrupt police chief in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

The show appealed to him because it wasn’t a conventional musical but ‘a comedy with

‘VERY VERY VERY

FUNNY’

songs’, with twists and turns in

BBC

mother in his first musical, Hairspray. Wearing frocks that sometimes made him look like a ‘embroidered duvet’, he shed several trouser sizes - and almost as many when, as a man who admits to being more shy and insecure than he looks, he somewhat unwillingly agreed to take part in Strictly 2014.

Despite a painful knee that somehow held up during performances - ‘you can’t walk

a hilarious tale of competing conmen that transports audiences straight to the

but you can dance,’ his partner, Iveta Lukosiute, told

French Riviera.

him - he surprised himself by surviving ten weeks in the

Based on one of the funniest movies of all time

competition. And surgery has left him more than ready

starring Sir Michael Caine and Steve Martin, this West

for a new tour whose only downside is that it will keep

End smash-hit presents him with the opportunity to

him away from his wife and three children.

exercise his considerable talent for comedy while

‘Hairspray was a great musical,’ he says. ‘If I started

reliving the golden age of the classic musical. Written

the evening feeling a bit miserable I always felt happy

by Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Jeffrey

by the end. And Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is

Lane (TV’s Mad About You) and with music and lyrics

equally big, bright, joyous - and fun.’ ■

by David Yazbek (winner of the Drama Desk Award for

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Michael Praed, Noel Sullivan, Carley Stenson and guest starring Mark Benton* KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW 23 - 27 June Box Office 0844 871 7648 LIVERPOOL EMPIRE 7 - 11 July Box Office 0844 871 3017 REGENT THEATRE, STOKE-ON-TRENT 28 July - 1 August Box Office 0844 871 7649 NEW THEATRE OXFORD 4 - 8 August Box Office 0844 871 3020 PRINCESS THEATRE TORQUAY 8 - 12 September Box Office 0844 871 3023 EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 15 - 19 September Box Office 0844 871 3014 MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 22 - 26 September Box Office 0844 871 7652 BRISTOL HIPPODROME THEATRE 6 - 10 October Box Office 0844 871 3012 NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE 20 - 24 October Box Office 0844 871 7646 NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKIING 27 - 31 October Box Office 0844 871 7645 Online booking at atgtickets.com *Cast up to & including Oxford New Theatre.

Further casting to be announced

the Broadway and West End hit musical The Full Monty) the show sold out in London, playing to over half a million people and had audiences and critics in stitches.

Benton plays the outwardly tough Andre, the police chief who falls for a potential victim of two swindlers.

He’s the sort of contradictory character Benton

STOP PRESS GARY WILMOT WILL PLAY ANDRE FROM 7 SEPTEMBER

especially enjoys playing. ‘He’s an old softie inside, very awkward with women. It’s about two people getting together. Will they, won’t they? It’s a love story in a madcap piece.’

Mark’s first role after graduating from RADA was at the National Theatre, playing a comic copper in Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of an Anarchist. And at first he was so often cast as a policeman that he wondered if he should title any future biography Bobbies I Have Been. But he was determined to resist typecasting and play serious as well as comic roles. Even today ATG Magazine / 6

COMPETITION

BY AYUB KHAN DIN

Top image: Pauline McLynn THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON 11 - 20 June Box Office 0844 871 7650 AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE 22 - 27 June Box Office 0844 871 7607 NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING 29 June - 4 July Box Office 0844 871 7645 CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY 6 - 11 July Box Office 0844 871 7620

Title F

ollowing a sensational run in the West End,

a beloved British comedy hits the road this

summer. Telling the story of Pakistani chip

shop owner George ‘Genghis’ Khan, his

English wife Ella (the brilliant Pauline McLynn) and their rebellious brood of teenagers, East is East is a classic tale of family differences as George battles to give his children a strict and traditional upbringing in 1970s Salford - though they have other ideas. Uplifting, funny and at times heart-breaking, East is East is bound to get you hugging your loved ones that little

3. THE YOUNGEST IN THE FAMILY, SAJIT KHAN REFUSES TO TAKE OFF WHICH PIECE OF CLOTHING? A LUCKY VEST B RED SOCKS C PARKA COAT Please return your answer on a postcard, not forgetting your name, postal address and email to; Nicole Logan, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd, 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR

PRINCESS THEATRE TORQUAY 13 - 18 July Box Office 0844 871 3023

bit tighter and laughing that little bit louder. nearest and dearest, the best seats in the house at the

Terms and Conditions

REGENT THEATRE STOKE-ON-TRENT 20 - 25 July Box Office 0844 871 7649

venue of your choice, along with the full VIP treatment

One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 3 - 8 August Box Office 0844 871 3024 THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW 10 - 15 August Box Office 0844 871 7647 Online booking at atgtickets.com

7

We are offering one lucky reader plus three of their

including champagne, ice-cream and programmes.

To get your hands on this great prize simply answer the following questions:

before Friday 3 July 2015 ■

The prize includes four tickets (Mon - Thu performances only) to see East is East at the ATG venue of your choice, plus one bottle of champagne, ice-creams for 4 and 4 house programmes. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees

1. EAST IS EAST WAS FIRST STAGED IN? A 1986 B 1996 C 2006 2. PAULINE MCLYNN IS BEST KNOWN FOR HER ROLE IN WHICH CLASSIC BRITISH SITCOM? A ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS B OUTNUMBERED C FATHER TED

of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.

TO EUROPE AND

NEWS

Beyond W

WHY A PAN-EUROPEAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE WITH BB GROUP IS GOOD NEWS FOR THEATRE FANS

hat began as a friendship built on a

further growth. BB bring a particular expertise

shared passion for theatre grew into

in dance - with a reputation for innovative work.

a pan-European alliance this summer

They’ve toured a number of Cuban and Brazilian

as the Ambassador Theatre Group

pieces including Ballet Revolución and big names

became a majority shareholder in BB Group, one

like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and they

of the leading producers of premium musicals and

have worked in partnership with UK dance

dance productions in Europe.

powerhouse Sadler’s Wells. It will all add to what

Household names such as West Side Story,

ATG can offer audiences.’

We Will Rock You, Rocky Horror Show, Cats and Hairspray are just a few

The best thing about this alliance is that both partners bring expertise to

of the productions readers

the table. In November 2017 BB

will recognise from the BB

Group plan to launch a 1900

portfolio. Founded in 1987

seat musical theatre in the

by acclaimed producer, the late Michael

Staatenhaus in Cologne, a listed building on the

Brenner, BB Group

Rhine with wonderful

presents more than

views of the city and

1000 performances

cathedral. They’ll be

each year.

able to draw on ATG’s

The partners have

comprehensive

worked together

experience of venue

before - and Michael Brenner’s children started their theatre career as interns at ATG. So the relationship goes deep. But what does this mean for UK audiences? According to Karin Gartzke, ATG’s International

operations for the project. But for both partners it is an international network of venues, producers and partners featuring many more premium shows that is the ultimate prize. BB has a strong track record in

Business Development Director, it all comes down

touring musicals and dance productions throughout

to ensuring a consistent supply of quality productions

Germany, Austria and Switzerland - their presentation

to theatres in ATG’s network: ‘We’ve been working

of The Lion King opened in Switzerland in March this

closely with BB over the last 10 years particularly on

year and The Bodyguard will open in Cologne in

West Side Story and Rocky Horror Show which have

November. Their productions also regularly visit

been on tour in the UK, Europe and beyond. What it

venues in Japan, South Korea and Australia - all

will mean is a greater exchange - so more productions

markets that ATG is active in too.

coming here and touring within the UK regions.’

Good news for the theatre fan whether their

Gartzke is also excited about the potential for

local theatre is in Birmingham or Berlin - more

dance: ‘ATG has toured Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

quality, more choice, more jaw-dropping theatrical

with great success but it is an area that’s ripe for

spectacle not only in the UK - but across Europe. ■

The Lion King

Ballet Revolución

The Rocky Horror Show

Bottom image: West Side Story

ATG Magazine / 8

ATG TI SUMMER’S HOTTEST TICKETS ACROSS THE UK

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM - THE MUSICAL Kicking off at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre this summer, a joyous musical comedy that’s all about bending the rules and scoring a deciding goal.

Jamie Campbell Bower (Twilight, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) stars.

SUNNY AFTERNOON The big news at the 2015 Oliviers, the Kinks musical pulled in awards including Best New Musical and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music which went to legendary singer/songwriter Ray Davies.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS One of the funniest movies of all time is now a smash hit musical starring Michael Praed, Noel Sullivan, Carley Stenson and Mark Benton. See it at a theatre near you this summer - it’s a scandalous delight!

GYPSY

★★★★★ ‘A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see sizzling Staunton hit the big time as Rose’ Daily Telegraph ‘Jonathan Kent’s stunning revival of one of the greatest Broadway musicals’ Times

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL Starring Duncan James, this ‘hugely entertaining... insanely glitzy’ (Telegraph) smash hit musical is a feel-good international sensation.

Treat yourself to a journey to the heart of fabulous!

Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

HETTY FEATHER With aerial and circus skills and a huge heart, Hetty Feather is the must-see show for this summer.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE 9

ICKETS Duke Of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

TRAFALGAR STUDIOS 0844 871 7632 JAMES FREEDMAN

FARINELLI AND THE KING

MAN OF STEAL

Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall, Jerusalem), ‘one of the greatest stage actors in the world’ (Daily Telegraph), stars in Claire van Kampen’s moving & mesmerising new play.

Funny and fast-fingered, his unique and extraordinary show exposes how the bad guys really work, sharing a lifetime spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men.

Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615

WICKED Experience ‘the hit musical with brains, heart & courage’ (Sunday Telegraph) as it flies into its seventh spellbinding year.

Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622

Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630

The critically acclaimed production.

‘This is a great, very British musical about a great, very British band’ The Times

Worldwide smash-hit musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. ‘This true life mega-hit story of the Four Seasons is an utterly wonderful show of vitality, pace and power. Oh what a night of magical memories’ Daily Express

SUNNY AFTERNOON ★★★★

JERSEY BOYS

Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

GYPSY Transfers to the West End following its sell-out, rapturously acclaimed five-star run at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631

Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

1984

Back in London this summer for 12 weeks only.

A joyous new British musical featuring an original score with a Punjabi kick, it brings a unique cultural fusion of musical theatre to the stage.

★★★★★ ‘I urge you to see this stunning show’ The Times

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

Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

HAYFEVER

King’s Cross Theatre 0844 871 7615

DINOSAUR ZOO Bringing awesome prehistoric creatures to life as you’ve never seen them before - up close and personal!

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 & imagination’ Evening Standard

Felicity Kendal gives the greatest performance of her career as Judith Bliss - once glittering star of the London stage - in Noel Coward’s hilarious comedy of bad manners.

AT ATGTICKETS.COM YOUR ONE STOP SHOP *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith

ATG Magazine / 10

INTERVIEW

Heart AND SOUL A NEW MUSICAL STARRING SOUL LEGEND MICA PARIS TAKES ELVIS AS INSPIRATION

J 11

ust when you think there’s nothing new to

a London run.

be written about the iconic Elvis Presley,

Written by Tony Award winning Joe DiPietro and

you find you’re wrong. The story of the

directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winning

handsome young heartbreaker from

Karen Bruce, this hilarious feelgood musical looks set

Mississippi is always inspiring - and to prove it, a brand

to be a huge success. The award-winning, platinum

new musical production, Love Me Tender - in which

album selling, soul legend Mica Paris stars. One of the

hit after Elvis hit comes belting from the stage - opens

most respected UK female singers with a Top Ten hit

in Manchester this June, followed by a UK tour and

single and platinum albums to her name, she has also

appeared on stage in West End productions of Mama

From the producers of Hairspray, Midnight Tango

I Want to Sing, The Vagina Monologues and Sweet

and West Side Story, Love Me Tender boasts an

Lorraine. She is joined by an enviable cast: Shaun

outstanding creative team. ‘The musical arranger is

Williamson (Eastenders, Extras), Ben Lewis (Love Never

Max Spencer Smith and he’s an absolute genius. Karen

Dies Australia) and Sian Reeves.

Bruce, the director, is wild and brilliant. She can take

I chat with Sian outside the rehearsal room in the

on weird thoughts and ideas and run with them, which

early morning rush hour. We sit on the steps while Sian

is great for an actor.’ At the moment, one of Sian’s

gets into her trainers as the London traffic roars by.

challenges is that old enemy in musical theatre -

Sian is a versatile actress with an impressive television

having to sing while you are dancing. ‘I’m doing a lot

CV: long stints in Eastenders, Cutting It, Hope Springs

of skipping and singing at the moment, to prepare.

and Emmerdale - she was nominated for the Villain of

This means I shall be so slim - that’s a bonus. I love it when you’re exercising so much

the Year Award for her role as

‘FALLING IN LOVE HAS RARELY BEEN AS MUCH FUN’

that you can eat what you like -

STAR NEWS

brilliant. Ben Lewis as Chad is a

acting too, and a typing course,

‘IF ELVIS WAS ALIVE HE’D BE IN THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDING’

great looking, hip-swinging guy

just in case.’ She took his advice

CURTAIN UP

the unhinged Sally Spode. ‘I think when you’re playing a baddie, ‘Sian muses, ‘The nicer you seem, the better it is.

Because it’s such a shock when people discover you are bad!’

Sian is a Midlands girl, warm and funny, ready to laugh at herself - a young Julie Walters perhaps. ‘I loved being on the stage. My dad said to me - you’d better study some singing and

and enrolled on a three year

I had five packets of crisps yesterday.’

The production boasts

a strong cast. ‘The ensemble is

who roars into this small town and has all the girls swooning over him. And Shaun Williamson - wow, can he sing! Charttopper Mica Paris has an incredible voice - and she’s beautiful too! I feel rather jealous because I’m quite

musical theatre course, earning cash by working

frumpily dressed. No high heels - all very austere

behind the bar at the Prince of Wales Theatre. In 1985,

and stern. I shall be a bit of a formidable, retired

she auditioned for the part of Cosette in the original

headmistress type. Actually, I shall look like a

Les Misérables and: ‘I got it! It was incredible. But you

battleship. Until my transformation scene of course.’

know, when you’re young, you think you can do

This is Sian’s 30th year in show business. ‘I want

anything, don’t you?’

to get my teeth into something,’ she says. ‘This

She is delighted that her role as Mayor Matilda Hyde

production has come along at the right time for me.’

will give her the chance to flex some of her singing

She is an Elvis devotee - especially of his 60s movie

and dancing muscles. ‘It’s set in the 1950’s and I’m

period. So, what has this show got to offer other fans?

playing a nutty, strange, passionate woman - and I

‘Oh, I want it to be colourful, romantic, sexy, heart-

think it will be funny. She’s very bigoted: she’s racist,

breaking, full of hope and ideals - with all the things

she’s against sex, kissing, tight trousers, music - you

we associate with Elvis. A handsome young man, great

name it. Then in Act Two, she has this huge meltdown

songs, lots of passion, Hawaii and young love.’ ■

and we find out secret things about her. She’s like an onion, lots of layers. Everyone is really afraid of her, but then we see she’s quite vulnerable.’

Sian Reeves

‘SUPERB ENTERTAINMENT’ BROADWAYWORLD.COM

LOVE ME TENDER Starring Mica Paris, Shaun Williamson Ben Lewis and Sian Reeves BRISTOL HIPPODROME 15 - 20 June Box Office 0844 871 3012 NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE 22 - 27 June Box Office 0844 871 7646 REGENT THEATRE, STOKE-ON-TRENT 29 June - 4 July Box Office 0844 871 7649 NEW THEATRE OXFORD 6 - 11 July Box Office 0844 871 3020 SUNDERLAND EMPIRE 13 - 18 July Box Office 0844 871 3022 EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 20 - 25 July Box Office 0844 871 3014 MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 27 July - 1 August Box Office 0844 871 7652 KING’S THEATRE GLASGOW 3 - 8 August Box Office 0844 871 7648 LIVERPOOL EMPIRE THEATRE 10 - 15 August Box Office 0844 871 3017 GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 17 - 22 August Box Office 0844 871 3024 NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE BIRMINGHAM 24 - 29 August Box Office 0844 871 3011 CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY 31 August - 5 September Box Office 0844 871 7620 NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING 7 - 12 September Box Office 0844 871 7645 Online booking at atgtickets.com Interview by Victoria Kingston ATG Magazine / 12

BACKSTAGE

NEW THEATRE OXFORD 23 - 24 June Box Office 0844 871 3020 REGENT THEATRE STOKE-ON-TRENT 27 June Box Office 0844 871 7649 MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 29 June Box Office 0844 871 7652 SADLER’S WELLS LONDON 7 - 11 July atgtickets.com

On Fire

Grammy © Award-winning South African Legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO STAR IN A RED-HOT COLLABORATION

P

ietra Mello-Pitman and Ella Spira have

to create something very special that had never been

just returned from Moscow, buzzing with

done before.’

delight at the reception they received at

They spent much time workshopping together in

the launch of their spectacular show Inala.

South Africa, working on key songs and an overall

Described as a ‘Zulu ballet’, the show is a unique, vibrant

arc for the themes captured in the show. While Ella

combination of live African music and former dancers

oversaw the score, the lyrics - all in Zulu - were

from The Royal Ballet and Rambert. It’s the result of

created by the choir, celebrating the earth, freedom

an idea sparked almost

and equality.

six years ago, when the

‘Even when we can’t

pair watched a concert

understand the words,

THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW 16 - 18 July Box Office 0844 871 7647

by the legendary a

the soul of the music is

cappella singing group

so uplifting, you are still

Ladysmith Black

completely moved. A

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING 21 - 22 July Box Office 0844 871 7645

Mambazo, with whom

singer translated one of

they would go on to

the songs for me,

collaborate.

explaining it was about

OPERA HOUSE MANCHESTER 24 - 25 July Box Office 0844 871 3019

‘I was so inspired by

keeping your goal in

the visual spectacle they

mind, keeping your focus

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 14 - 15 July Box Office 0844 871 3014

BRISTOL HIPPODROME 26 July Box Office 0844 871 3012

created around the music,’ enthuses

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Executive Producer

and staying positive. That meant so much to me to all of us, in different

Pietra, who danced with the Royal Ballet for a decade,

ways - especially at a point when we still didn’t know

before setting up a production company with Ella. ‘It

if we would actually be able to make it all happen.’

immediately made me wonder what might be possible

But happen it did, and the show has taken on a

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE 31 July - 1 August Box Office 0844 871 3017

if we brought ballet into the mix. We invited them to

life much bigger than any of them ever imagined,

come and watch a Royal Ballet performance, which

headlining last year’s Edinburgh International Festival,

they all loved, and the idea to collaborate just grew

enjoying a sell-out run at Sadler’s Wells and now

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE 2 August Box Office 0844 871 3022

from there.’

touring to over 30 of the biggest UK theatres.

‘It took a long time to get it right,’ explains Ella

‘We could never have imagined where this would

(Executive Producer and composer), ‘we needed to do

take us, but it’s a dream come true,’ adds Pietra.

Online booking at atgtickets.com

a lot of research, to make sure we really appreciated

‘When you see it all come together on the stage,

the culture of this wonderful music - but right from the

with some the best dancers in the industry, it’s a

Feature by Lucy Johnston

beginning of this collaboration we knew we were going

truly thrilling sight.’ ■

NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE BIRMINGHAM 27 - 29 July Box Office 0844 871 3011

HHHH EVENING STANDARD | GUARDIAN

13

Siren SONG

INTERVIEW

LARA PULVER UPS THE GLAMOUR IN SONDHEIM’S GYPSY

L

ara Pulver flops down into an armchair in

episode of the hit BBC series Sherlock, seducing the

the American Bar at the Savoy with a radiant

sleuth as much with her brains as with the very little

smile. ‘I’m having such a wonderful time!’

she was wearing - but, alongside the stunning looks

she exclaims. She’s currently starring

and seductive performances, there is always a lot

alongside Imelda Staunton in Gypsy, as the dowdy

more to the roles Lara chooses to play.

elder daughter of a pushy mother obsessed with

‘Unless you are one of those brilliantly clever

finding stardom through her daughters.

women who can write their own shows, landing a

Loosely based on the

really interesting role is a

memoirs of famous

lot down to luck and being

striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, for most of the show Lara is barely recognisable, before the ultimate ugly duckling transformation when she finds success as the celebrated burlesque

‘IT’S SUCH A WELL-CRAFTED PIECE OF WRITING, OF A QUALITY YOU RARELY SEE. WHEN I FIRST READ IT I ACTUALLY GOT GOOSEBUMPS, SO I HAD TO SAY YES TO JOINING THE CAST IMMEDIATELY!’

in the right place, but also to judgement. I’ve got much better at being able to tell on the page if something is going to be an interesting opportunity or not. It’s about being

star.

able to spot good writing, and always going with

‘Working with Imelda (who plays Momma Rose)

your gut feel. This one just felt right from the start,

is thrilling. She’s the best mentor and the show is

and I wouldn’t change it for anything!’ ■

just extraordinary. Yes it’s got those famous show-stopping numbers but, beyond that, the characters take you on such an emotional journey. The way Imelda steers us through it is incredible.’

Considered one of the greatest Sondheim musicals, and a staple of Broadway, this production is the first big UK

★★★★★

‘THE MOST EXCITING THING I HAVE SEEN ON A STAGE’ TIMES

revival in 40 years.

‘It’s such a well-crafted piece of writing, of a quality you rarely see. When I first read it I actually got goosebumps, so I had to say yes to joining the cast immediately!’ remembers Lara. ‘And the character of Louise is so refreshing to play.

For a lot of the show I can bide my time, keeping a low profile, which is a wonderful feeling -because I know that there will be a moment, later on, where she can really show her colours! But all the time there is this sadness underneath -

SAVOY THEATRE

where she is trying to fill the

GYPSY

deep void caused by being ignored by her mother - which gives her this fascinating, poignant quality which is a great challenge to play.’

It’s another iconic role for Lara - who famously, stole the show as Irene Adler in one

Starring Imelda Staunton, Lara Pulver and Peter Davison Until 28 November Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com Interview by Lucy Johnston

Photography by Johan Persson ATG Magazine / 14

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SANDALS uk.tommy.com £75 BLUE LEATHER BACKPACK abro.de £195 STRIPY BACKPACK uk.tommy.com £85 All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers

Feature by Mark Bouman ATG Magazine / 16

GOING OUT MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER SUNSHINE WITH A FLYING VISIT TO THE UK’S MOST INVITING CITIES. Explore the great outdoors by day, head to an historic theatre by night, and top it off with a stay in one of our hand-selected hotels. Who needs to holiday abroad when we’ve got such treasures right on our doorstep?

Cities

SUMMER

Seattle Hotel, Brighton

BRIGHTON

BRISTOL

You’re never too old for a ride on a carousel, so why

Bristol’s most spectacular outdoor experience is

Priscilla Queen of the Desert -

not embrace your inner child with a visit to Brighton

undoubtedly a stroll over the Clifton Suspension

the Musical is the hot ticket this

Pier? Sitting over 500m out into the sea on the

Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in

season. Catch it at an ATG theatre

116-year-old structure are traditional rides like the

1864. Look down on the River Avon from 76m up,

near you from Brighton to

helter-skelter, ghost train and dodgems, as well as

then head to the visitor centre on the far side of the

Manchester. To find out what’s

rollercoasters and a water ride. The gorgeous Theatre

gorge. Another impressive feat of engineering can

on at ATG theatres across the

Royal is just a few minutes’ walk away. Dating back

be found at the Bristol Hippodrome, where a ceiling

UK visit www.atgtickets.com

to 1806, it’s one of the oldest theatres in the country

dome installed in 1912 can be slid back to ventilate

and is rich in historical quirks. To get to the backstage

the auditorium during the interval. Stay at the

area, for example, technicians have to go through

charming Arnos Manor Hotel, located in a Gothic

two former fishermen’s cottages. After all this history,

building dating back to the 1740s. It boasts excellent

get a taste of the new at the Seattle, a sleek and

road, air and rail links - Brunel would surely have

contemporary hotel in Brighton Marina.

OXFORD

MANCHESTER

There’s no better way to see the city of

Manchester may be the north’s industrial powerhouse,

dreaming spires than by taking a leisurely

but there are oases in the city and Fletcher Moss Park

trip down the Cherwell in a punt, a flat-

and Parsonage Gardens is one of them. Just a few

bottomed boat a bit like a gondola. You can

miles south of the city centre, this botanical garden

hire one yourself, or take a punt tour with

and nature reserve is remarkably peaceful and home

an able university student at the stern. More

to a huge number of native and migrating bird species.

grown-up pursuits are on offer at the New Theatre, a venue with a striking art deco auditorium that seats 1,800 people. Afterwards, a pleasant stroll along the river brings you to the Hawkwell House Hotel, a peaceful country house beside the Thames, set in beautiful gardens.

17

approved.

You’ll find the 4 star Mercure Manchester Piccadilly hotel convenient for both the Opera House and Palace Theatre, two huge historic auditoria that play host to the best in touring musicals, dance and comedy.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Thistle Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel Mercure Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester

EDINBURGH There are several ways to reach the summit of the extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat, but the views

AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR ATG CUSTOMERS

are equally impressive whichever route you choose.

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town on one side, the magnificent Firth of Forth on the other.

It’s a scene nearly as dramatic as those at the Edinburgh Playhouse in the centre of town. Having originally opened as a cinema, it was converted to a theatre in 1980 following a long fought campaign against developers who wanted to build an office block. The Ballantrae Albany Hotel, just around the corner from the theatre, links four historic Edinburgh townhouses, offering an authentic taste of life in the city.

Arnos Manor Hotel, Bristol We’ve negotiated hotel savings of 20% - 60%

LIVERPOOL

all year round in destinations across the UK,

Ballantrae Albany Hotel, Edinburgh Hawkwell House Hotel, Oxford ‘Another Place’ by Antony Gormley, Liverpool

Ireland and Europe, exclusive to ATG customers.

Be sure to ask for a Mersey view room when you book

Even better - you’ll be waking up to a delicious

a stay at the Thistle Liverpool, Atlantic Tower - the hotel

breakfast whichever hotel you select, because

occupies an enviable location just off the waterfront in the historic port area. Another striking waterside destination worth exploring is Crosby Beach, a short train ride north of the city. Here you’ll find Another Place, sculptor Antony Gormley’s atmospheric installation of 100 life-sized statues dotted around the foreshore. Liverpool loves its visual arts, but it’s performance that the city is really famous for, so take a trip to the Liverpool Empire, a theatre that’s played host to everyone from the Beatles to Sunset Boulevard. ■

ALL breaks include breakfast.

Not only can we help you save money on your hotel, you’ll earn up to £7.50 off your next ATG Theatre Card on every hotel booking. This means if you book four great value 2 night hotel breaks, you could get your ATG Theatre Card (worth £35) for FREE! BOOK NOW at www.atgrewards.com

brightonpier.co.uk oxfordpunting.co.uk cliftonbridge.org.uk fletchermossgardens.org.uk visitscotland.com visitliverpool.com Feature by Jo Caird ATG Magazine / 18

one of the best British comedies of all time

★★★★

’ FIERCE, FUNNYAND AFFECTING’ times

by ayub Khan Din

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ guardian | telegraph

independent | mail on sunday

financial times | time out

BRIGHTON, THEATRE ROYAL 11 - 20 JUN AYLESBURY, WATERSIDE THEATRE 22 - 27 JUN WOKING, NEW VICTORIA THEATRE 29 JUN - 4 JUL BROMLEY, CHURCHILL THEATRE 6 - 11 JUL TORQUAY, PRINCESS THEATRE 13 - 18 JUL STOKE, REGENT THEATRE 20 - 25 JUL YORK, GRAND OPERA HOUSE 3 - 8 AUG GLASGOW, THEATRE ROYAL 10 - 15 AUG VISIT TRAFALGARTRANSFORMED.COM FOR FURTHER DATES

ATGTICKETS.COM CALL 0844 871 7606 TRAFALGARTRANSFORMED.COM

Images include some original West End cast

don D ir ec t fr o m lo n - n at io n a l t o u r