ATG Magazine Winter 2010

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

WINTER 2010

The Chosen One

Jodie Prenger

Over The Rainbow’s

Lauren Samuels ROAR! Disney’s Lion King

Panto Perfection

Pamela Anderson Cilla Black Barbara Windsor THINGS TO DO, PEOPLE TO SEE

HOTLIST! Party pieces Birdsong’s Ben Barnes Winter walks

AmbassadorTickets.com

s complete without it!

Waving their magic wands over the festivities in 2010 are Cilla Black, Pamela Anderson, Barbara Windsor and more.

AmbassadorTickets.com for details.

s Glamour and tragedy at the s The first major UK exhibition in 50 years dedicated to the painter Paul Gauguin is at Tate Modern this Autumn. 100 works including important loans look at the life and art of the post-Impressionist.

Sept 30 - Jan 16 2011.

Enchanted Palace - a spectacular exhibition merging fashion, art and theatre tells the stories of Kensington Palace and the lives of its most famous inhabitants. Expect installations from designers such as Vivienne Westwood. Until Jan 2012 at Kensington Palace. hrp.org.uk

Call 020 7887 8888.

s

of the

best

No Christmas list would be

Gold and black bangles ÂŁ14 s Exquisite designer gifts alongside gourmet food and wine at the Spirit of Christmas Fair 3 - 7 Nov at Olympia, London. More information on 0871 230 1089

s 10 YEARS OLD! Celebrity interviewees from Madonna to Ewan McGregor, backstage news, theatre gossip and so much more.

The Ambassador Group’s own magazine reflected a decade that has seen the group grow from 16 to 39 venues. Did you know you can download the magazine? Go to AmbassadorTickets.com

monsoon.co.uk

The Ambassador Theatre Group

2 1 3

1 Disney’s The Lion King 2 Matthew Kelly in Spamalot 3 Grease

Panto Glitterati

1

Competition

8

Aylesbury Stars

14

Casting a spell this Christmas:

Champagne, tickets, CDs and

A celebrity debut for Aylesbury

Cilla Black, Barbara Windsor,

more in this rock n roll bonanza

Waterside Theatre

Pamela Anderson - and more!

In Flanders Fields

3

Pride Of The Lyceum

A journey of love and loss

in Disney’s Lion King

in Birdsong

Lady Ha Ha

The One That We Want

5

Lauren Samuels

7

11

Time for a titter with Jodie Prenger

Sweet Sensation

Celebrate!

15

Pretty, shiny, party - get the look

in Monty Python’s Spamalot

Wonder what she’s doin’ now?

What’s On in London

9

Careful - they bite! Big cats

Destinations with Sparkle Magic, festive days out in the heart of England

13

A success story - with a touch of pink

AMBASSADOR GROUP PRODUCTIONS 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, Mark Shenton, Benedict Nightingale, Al Senter, Jasper Rees, Victoria Kingston, Becky Martin, Julie Jones, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Ben Prudhoe, Barry Grant 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.

17

PRESENTED BY

Interview

AND

Panto Glitterati

Why Cilla Black and Barbara Windsor can’t resist the lure of fairy dust This Christmas will, unbelievably,

million years! But obviously I’m

mark the 60th anniversary of

too old to play principal boy now,

now, and says, ‘I’m well ensconced.

Barbara Windsor’s stage debut;

so I’m having my second stint as

All my family still live up north, but

and it is also Cilla Black’s 47th year

fairy godmother.’

they love coming down here for

in the business. For these most

Supporting the Theatres for Theatres Appeal in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital www.gosh.org © 2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Registered charity no 235825

Interview by 1

Mark Shenton

But Liverpool, she thought, was

Cilla has lived locally for 40 years

the holidays. I adore Christmas, but

beloved entertainers, appearing

going to be her panto swansong.

I couldn’t give up on the chance

in two star pantomimes this

‘I had no intention of ever playing

to be a part of other people’s

December will bring them full

in pantomime again after that, but

Christmases, too. It will be hard

circle to where their theatrical

then I was totally persuaded to do

work - it IS hard work! I

careers began.

Cinderella in Aylesbury. There are

get into the theatre

two reasons: in this day and age

at half past ten,

persuaded to return to panto at

I find it very exciting that there’s

maybe eleven,

the Liverpool Empire, after a gap

a new theatre opening,’ she says

in the morning,

of some 17 years, ‘I’d cut my milk

of Aylesbury’s new Waterside

and then don’t

teeth on being Little Red Riding

Theatre. The second reason she’s

leave till eleven at

Hood at Wimbledon, and my forte

doing it is even more personal;

night. But I love the

after that was playing principal

‘It’s my local theatre, so I’ll be

lightheartedness and

boy, which I happily did for a

able to stay at home!’

the unexpectedness of

Two years ago, Cilla was

it, and the fact that the audience

too, but I found that I loved it

invisible dog like Marcel Marceau.

joins in as well. Panto is the only

too much and I couldn’t switch

Once he’d explained, it sounded

thing where they can do that and

off from it.’ Now she’s looking

fun to me.’

be part of the show.’

forward to surrendering herself to

When she first stood on the

the joys of panto again: ‘It’s often

stage of the theatre her suspicions

Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington

the first time children get to see

were confirmed: ‘I felt its history...

at the Bristol Hippodrome, is

live theatre. Nowadays, they’ve

but it’s a good thing I have never

bringing her back to her first love.

got so much to entertain them - in

taken myself seriously in the first

‘It was my first job, when I was

my day, you went out and played

place; having fun has always been

13, and I was very lucky - because

hopscotch in the street - but even

a priority of mine and the more I

I was little, I was on the end of

now, with all that technology

hear about panto the more that

the line, and so you get the lines

they’re exposed to, it’s wonderful

seems to be what it is all about!’

and my first one was, ‘Here comes

to see them sitting there, gasping

the Baron’.’ Panto played a big

and laughing!’

For Barbara Windsor, starring as

For Jonathan Wilkes, the TV presenter, singer and actor,

Next to the veterans Cilla and

returning to star as Robinson

favourites were at Richmond. I

Barbara, a younger generation of

Crusoe at his local theatre in

did Aladdin there once, and it was

performers are also discovering

Stoke-on-Trent this year is always

during a time when my husband

the joys of appearing in panto.

a pleasure. ‘I love to give a show

role in her life for many years ‘My

got into trouble, so I was visiting

Last year, Pamela Anderson -

where they all go away with a

Brixton prison in the mornings,

internationally known for her role

big smile on their faces. My little

then doing the matinée, and the

in Baywatch - made her panto

boy is 4 - I know that he believes it

audiences were so great - they

debut as the Genie of the Lamp,

all, just as I did. I remember going

knew what was happening to

and this year will be returning to

to the theatre for the first time

me, but I got a round of applause

Aladdin at the Liverpool Empire. ‘I

when I was five and I believed

when I entered!’

get some really bizarre approaches

everything! For me, the theatre

and when my British-born

is a magical place, where you can

- it’s one of the things I left

manager told me I’d been offered

go and get completely lost in it

EastEnders for, I wanted to go back

a pantomime I thought he meant

for two hours.’

to the theatre. I loved EastEnders,

miming, you know, walking an

She goes on, ‘I love the theatre

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

CINDERELLA

Starring Cilla Black with Gary Lucy 10 Dec 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7607

Theatre Royal Brighton

CINDERELLA The Musical 17 Dec 2010 - 16 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7650

Bristol Hippodrome*

DICK WHITTINGTON

Starring Barbara Windsor, Eric Potts & Andy Ford 11 Dec 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 847 2325

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

ALADDIN

Starring Melinda Messenger, Don Gilet & Chris Till 3 Dec 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7620

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

SNOW WHITE

Starring Darius Campbell 3 Dec 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7648

Liverpool Empire Theatre*

ALADDIN

Starring Pamela Anderson with Les Dennis 10 Dec 2010 - 2 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 847 2525

Manchester Palace Theatre*

SNOW WHITE

Starring Tina O’Brien & Andy Devine 3 Dec 2010 - 2 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 847 2484

Milton Keynes Theatre

DICK WHITTINGTON

Starring Luke Perry & Joanna Page with special guest stars Stavros Flatley 10 Dec 2010 - 16 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7652

Richmond Theatre

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Starring Brian Blessed, Tim Vine & Sophie Isaacs 10 Dec 2010 - 16 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7651

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

ROBINSON CRUSOE Pamela Anderson, Barbara Windsor & Jonathan Wilkes

Starring Jonathan Wilkes & Jennifer Ellison 9 Dec 2010 - 9 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7649

New Wimbledon Theatre

PETER PAN

Starring Louie Spence 10 Dec 2010 - 16 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7646

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

SNOW WHITE

Starring Gareth Gates, Claire Sweeney & Cliff Parisi 11 Dec 2010 - 16 Jan 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7645 Full casting details & online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk

2

Interview

In Flanders Fields A journey of love and loss in Birdsong

Was Ben Barnes fated to play

enormous film - but sadly it turned

West End? Yes, yes, and yes again.

Stephen Wraysford in Birdsong,

out to be too enormous, epic and

And the screen’s loss has turned

Stephen being the young

sweeping for the producers’.

out to be the stage’s gain.

Englishman who just about

There are other reasons Barnes

survives a doomed love affair

seemed like fate intervened.

is now ensconced at the Comedy

and the trenches of the Somme?

Barnes was in LA, where his

Theatre. He’d been away from

When he read Sebastian Faulks’

performance as Prince Caspian

the stage for three-and-a-half

novel some five years ago, he’d

in The Chronicles of Narnia had

years since playing Dakin, the

found it ‘very, very moving, one

made him a hot property, when

charismatic pupil in the production

of two or three books that made

his search for a new film was

of Alan Bennett’s History Boys that

me weep’. So he’d enthusiastically

interrupted by a phone call from

the National Theatre had brought

auditioned for two directors, each

England. Would he be interested

to the West End: ‘It’s a significant

of whom might have cast him as

in playing Stephen in a version

gap and I thought if I don’t do this

Stephen in a screen version of the

of Birdsong that Trevor Nunn, an

I might do two or three more films

Photography by

work. ‘I knew it would make the

expert in giving theatrical form

and suddenly the gap would be

Johan Persson

most wonderful, epic, sweeping,

to epic work, was to direct in the

five or seven years, and I’d become

Above: Genevieve O’Reilly and Ben Barnes Interview by Benedict Nightingale

3

But then something that indeed

really panicked about stepping

dead in the water any time soon.

longevity rather than a moment

out and telling a story to a live

His Prince Caspian - who will be

in the sun.’

audience.’

King Caspian when the next two

But the main reason was the

And, yes, he’s already tackled

episodes of Narnia come out - has

quite a variety of roles: an

conjunction of a director he vastly

made him what The Sun called

American quarterback in a pilot

admired and the role he was

‘a bona fide teen heartthrob’.

for TV, a Russian hoodlum in the

still passionate to tackle. A trim,

Indeed, he still gets mailbags full

film Bigga Than Ben, Dorian Gray

affable man who looks younger

of ardent fan letters, many from

in a screen adaptation of Oscar

than his 29 years, Ben felt he could

the US, most from Japan. And to

Wilde and what he describes as ‘a

play a character who begins as

his intense embarrassment (‘it was

ridiculous, eccentric, self-centred

a sensitive 20-year-old and ends

horrendous’) he arrived at the

man’ in Killing Bono, a soon-

a hardened 28-year-old. ‘It’s a

second rehearsal of Birdsong to

to-be-released movie about the

wonderful opportunity for an

find a company he hardly knew

Irish singer’s one-time classmate.

actor to morph - and I feel I’ve

jokily chorusing ‘there goes the

And he hopes to sustain a career

gone through a change like

handsome face of Ben Barnes’:

both on the stage, which he likes

that in a very small way.’

the puff some magazine had

because he can bring control and

just published.

consistency to a character rather

It’s not just the war that changes Stephen. It’s a woman

But that doesn’t begin to sum

who promises she’ll never, ever

up his skills. The son of a professor

of moments, and on the screen,

leave him, yet soon is gone ‘with

of psychiatry who is apparently

which appeals to his sense of

no note, no excuse, no reason,

no mean guitarist, he grew up

discovery.

nothing’, leaving him with a

‘dancing round the house to the

wariness that Barnes shares. ‘You

sound of the Rolling Stones and

Well, maybe. A musical? That’s

get very excited when you first go

Queen’, was regularly taken to the

likely, since he has a good voice

to Hollywood but you soon realise

National by his parents, joined the

and sings a lot in Killing Bono.

that all those shiny golden dreams

National Youth Music Theatre as a

Or, just conceivably, Stephen

you harbour aren’t necessarily

‘slightly lost 14-year-old’, appeared

Wraysford in another medium?

Genevieve O’Reilly

going to come to fruition. The

in several of its productions,

‘I read that the BBC is doing

and Ben Barnes

amount of times I’ve been in the

studied drama at Kingston

Birdsong in a two-part version,

Trevor Nunn

cast of some film - and then it’s

University, and decided he wanted

and I thought, no, no, it’s my part,

just died in the water!’

to be as versatile and enduring an

you mustn’t - or, if you do, you

actor as possible: ‘I’m interested in

must cast me.’

Not that Ben is likely to be

than rely on the editing of a series

And his next challenge? Hamlet?

Birdsong will donate £2 per ticket to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, for all performances 1 -13 November 2010 inclusive. For more information on the Royal British Legion, please visit britishlegion.org.uk

Ben felt he could play a character who begins as a sensitive 20-year-old and ends a hardened 28-yearold. ‘It’s a wonderful opportunity for an actor to morph - and I feel I’ve gone through a change like that in a very small way.’

Comedy Theatre

Birdsong Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ modern classic Directed by Trevor Nunn Starring Ben Barnes and Genevieve O’Reilly Box Office 0844 871 7622 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com

4

Interview

The One That We Want An electrifyin’ debut for Lauren Samuels in Grease

‘I thought, ‘I’m never going to

singing and acting auditions for

herself coming so near and yet so

be able to do it’, but you find it

them, and a couple of days later

far from winning the coveted role

within yourself - it’s live on TV and

heard that they’d love to offer me

of Dorothy in the BBC TV contest

you’ve got to do it, or you look

the part! I was going to get my

Over the Rainbow she had to take

ridiculous! But it’s also like a big

hair cut when I got the call, and

off the ruby slippers and return

audition, and I thought, this is the

I was in the middle of the street

them to the podium in front of

last time I’m going to sing on the

screaming on my mobile!’

producer and judge Andrew Lloyd

BBC on a Saturday night, so let’s

Webber. ‘I became the last person

go for it and make it count!’

She didn’t have long to get ready. ‘I was given two and a half

to ride the moon,’ she says, of

She certainly did - and soon

the weekly climax to the show

after, her agent got a call to ask

Over the Rainbow and having to

which saw the loser having to step

her to audition for Grease. ‘I was

learn so much material so quickly

aboard a crescent moon and sing

getting calls for auditions for a

on that, I was in the mindset

Photography by

‘Over the Rainbow’ one last time,

few different things, and I was

anyway, so it came easily.’

Paul Coltas and

while naturally choked

very excited to go up for it. I met

with emotion.

with the creative team and did

Interview by Mark Shenton

5

When Lauren Samuels found

Matt Crockett

weeks’ rehearsal, but having done

She was more anxious about the reception she might get

from her fellow cast members,

just seven months to making my

She had also already made her

but needn’t have worried. ‘I was

West End debut. It is absolutely

professional debut in a production

nervous about them having to

insane - I still have to pinch myself

of Peter Pan at Leicester’s Curve

come in and rehearse with me

to believe it’s all real.’

Theatre last Christmas, which was

after they’d already been doing

In fact, it’s gone even quicker

conveniently close to her Midlands

it - nobody likes doing that - but

than if she had won - the winner

family home in Hinckley. ‘It was

everyone was absolutely fantastic,

Danielle Hope has to wait until

brilliant - I got to go and stay at

and they’ve all been really

next February to appear in The

home for my first job, having

interested in Over the Rainbow,

Wizard of Oz. ‘I met up with her

just moved to London!’

asking me about it.’

only yesterday and she said, ‘I’m

She’s delighted to be starring

Then came the scariest part:

itching to start - I’m so jealous of

in Grease and putting her heart

going out onstage for the first

you being in a show’. Obviously I

into unforgettable numbers like

time as a West End leading lady.

was incredibly disappointed at the

Summer Lovin’ - ‘it was the second

‘I felt more nervous than I’ve ever

time that I didn’t win, and I didn’t

musical I ever went to see; the first

felt in my entire life - not only was

know that this was just around the

was when my mum took me to see

I making my West End debut, but I

corner - but it has obviously picked

Phantom of the Opera in the West

had the added pressure of people

up my spirits no end. I’m so happy

End’ - and she concludes, ‘Sandy is

coming to see it because I was

and thankful to be here.’

another iconic role, like Dorothy.

from that show! When my dad

Having already completed

Everyone loves the show, don’t

came into my dressing room, I

both a B.Tech. training in musical

they? The audiences we have here

was on the sofa crying because

theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon,

are fantastic. They’re all up on

I was so nervous about it!’

and a three year drama degree

their feet and clapping and singing

at Guildford School of Acting,

along - it’s so nice to be onstage

she says now. ‘If I think back to the

she was more than ready

knowing that you’re entertaining

end of January, when I did my very

to join the cast of this

someone for the evening. It’s

first Dorothy audition, it’s been

smash-hit musical.

so fulfilling - I just love it!’

It has been ‘a heck of a journey’,

‘A feel-good, pick-me-up musical!’

Sunday Express

Piccadilly Theatre

Grease Starring Lauren Samuels and Matthew Goodgame Now booking until May 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at 6 AmbassadorTickets.com

What’s On

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

The story of one man’s love and loss in the First World War. Based on Sebastian Faulks’ best-selling novel, directed by Trevor Nunn.

The original high-school musical starring Lauren Samuels and Matthew Goodgame

DONMAR WAREHOUSE 0844 871 7624

PICCADILLY THEATRE 0844 871 7630

by William Shakespeare An exploration into the very nature of human existence.

Starring Derek Jacobi

The dazzling new musical based on the phenomenal Oscar winning film. Ghost is a timeless fantasy about the power of love.

DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE 0844 871 7623

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 0844 871 7631

Direct from a sell-out season at the Lyric Hammersmith comes the most terrifying experience in the West End. ‘Awesome’ Jonathan Ross

HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub

Wicked

Birdsong

King Lear

Ghost Stories

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

Blood Brothers

Grease

Ghost The Musical

Dreamboats and Petticoats

thumping fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph

SAVOY THEATRE 0844 871 7687

Legally Blonde The Musical

Sheridan Smith is Elle HHHH ‘Blows other musicals out of the water’ Sun

LYCEUM THEATRE 0844 871 7615

TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0844 871 7632

Disney’s

The Willy Russell Season

With a cast of over 40 actors, singers and dancers.

‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard

Starring Meera Syal

The Lion King

THE OLD VIC 0844 871 7628

Design for Living This provocative play returns to the London stage for the first time in over 15 years. Anthony Page directs Noel Coward’s classic.

Shirley Valentine Educating Rita

Starring Tim Pigott-Smith & Laura Dos Santos

TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632

Donmar Trafalgar Season

Lower Ninth 30 Sep - 23 Oct Novecento 28 Oct - 20 Nov Les Parents Terribles 25 Nov - 18 Dec

7

Book your tickets online at AmbassadorTickets.com *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith

Competition

Win best seats, a meal at Planet Hollywood, champagne, programmes & CDs for you and three friends!

Shake off those winter blues,

of the gorgeous Sue! But when

rattle away those chilly nights,

Bobby discovers that shy Laura is

and Petticoats at the Playhouse

roll out in fancy knitwear and visit

no slouch on the piano, love and

Theatre for a rocking, rolling

the West End’s most energetic

rock n roll fame beckon.

Christmas night out to remember

musical of them all - Dreamboats

Enjoy the best seats in the house

So, join us at Dreamboats

in the glittering West End. Simply

and Petticoats. Enjoying its second

with a complimentary glass of

complete the famous lyrics by

fabulous year in the West End and

champagne and programmes on

Bill Haley and the Comets:

inspired by the smash hit million

arrival. You will also receive free

selling albums Dreamboats and

copies of the Dreamboats and

Petticoats One, Two and Three, the

Petticoats cast album for each

sell-out sensation Dreamboats and

member of your party.

Petticoats The Musical features

And that’s not all - warm

‘Rock around the ______ tonight’

Dreamboats and Petticoats Box Office 0844 871 7631 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com

Please return your answer, not

Tour

forgetting your name, address

Princess Theatre, Torquay

some of the greatest hit songs

yourself with the ultimate 1950s

and telephone number to Ben

of the rock n roll era.

banquet of classic burgers and

Prudhoe, The Ambassador Theatre

shakes at the brand new Planet

Group Ltd, 39 - 41 Charing Cross

young musicians Norman and

Hollywood, Haymarket where

Road, London, WC2H 0AR

Bobby compete to win a national

your group will be treated to

before Monday 8 Nov 2010

songwriting competition - and,

a complimentary meal of your

more importantly, the attention

choice pre or post-performance.

In 1961 emotions run high as

Playhouse Theatre

18 - 23 October 2010 Box Office 0844 847 2315 (answered by Ticketmaster)

Grand Opera House, York 8 - 13 November 2010 Box Office 0844 847 2322 (answered by Ticketmaster)

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 Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre plus a glass of champagne each, 4 complimentary programmes, 4 CDs and 4 positions at Planet Hollywood, Haymarket before or after the performance. Winners will be notified by 12 Nov. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable & nonredeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd or Ambassador Theatre Group (Venues) Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.

8

Backstage

Pride of the Lyceum The wonderful world of the Lion King

Feature by Al Senter Photography by Catherine Ashmore, Simon Turtle and 9

Johan Persson

It is the middle of August and the

hubbub of excitement in which

audience. Even the awkward fact

height of the school holidays. A

children’s voices predominate.

that lions tend to dine on their

patient queue of children and their

As the lights dim, a full-throated

neighbours is neatly smoothed

parents stretches past the imposing

cheer goes up, the MD raises his

over by King Mufasa’s remark that

portico of the Lyceum Theatre,

hands to the orchestra and the

their remains nourish the soil and

forlornly hoping that return tickets

procession of animals makes its

help to produce the grass eaten

for the imminent matinée of The

way down the aisles and takes to

by the creatures that in turn are

Lion King will suddenly materialise.

the stage to an ecstatic reception.

devoured by the big cats. It is the Circle of Life, indeed.

There can’t be many productions,

Despite its eleven years, the

shortly to begin their twelfth year

production is in excellent fettle;

And The Lion King has

of continuous performance, which

a seamless parade of set pieces,

effectively circled the globe.

are still obliged to display the

dance, music and colourful and

Thirteen years after its Broadway

House Full sign to disappointed

thrilling spectacle. The story, a

opening, the show is still running

theatregoers.

leonine version of Hamlet, is

in New York. In many of the cities

comparatively straightforward and

where it has played, the show

can be followed by all ages in the

has smashed local records for

Inside the magnificent auditorium, there is a tremendous

the length of its stay. In total,

requiring its own costume, puppet,

up artists and twenty wardrobe

the show has given more than

mask, headdress, accessory and

assistants. And it is inevitable with

thirty thousand performances, it

make-up. Every square inch of

eight performances a week that

has been seen by more than fifty

space either in the Lyceum wings

everything will suffer from wear

million people around the world

or in the basement is utilised,

and tear.

and has collected more than

with a meticulous organisation of

seventy international

names and numbers to ensure that

show.’ Oriel jokes. ‘Every day

each performer is fully up to speed

brings a different challenge. A

theatre awards.

Back at the Lyceum, it is

‘

now late afternoon and the crowds,

heads spinning with excitement, have melted away into the summer afternoon. In

the auditorium, however,

‘You never get bored on this

Hovering in the wings and exploring the extensive catacombs below the stage, you gain a vivid impression of the complexity of this show and of the logistics required to bring it to such majestic life.

’

with where they should be going

lot of the job is about maintenance

and what they should be wearing.

and costumes do have to be

Richard Oriel, General Manager

replaced. To that end, we have a

(Production) has been part of The

team of outworkers throughout

prepared for the evening

Lion King team since the show

the UK. The name Disney means

performance. Hovering in

arrived at the Lyceum. He estimates

quality and it is very important

that around two hundred and fifty

that we keep The Lion King

the extensive catacombs

actors, singers and dancers have

looking as good as possible. It

below the stage, you gain

passed through the various Lion

may sometimes appear to be a

a vivid impression of the

King casts since 1999.

little chaotic backstage but the

there is still a buzz of activity, as the theatre is

the wings and exploring

complexity of this show and of

‘The show has a truly

show is organised to within an

the logistics required to bring

international feel and we use

it to such majestic life for eight

artists from all over the world’

performances a week.

he says. ‘And we’ve always had a

a number of incarnations since

inch of its life.’

The Lyceum has gone through

particularly strong South African

the days when Henry Irving and his

TV documentaries, the African

contingent in the cast. For people

leading lady, Ellen Terry, bestrode

plains teem with life and The Lion

who have come from overseas,

the stage. It has defied both the

King has to reflect the richness of

The Lion King has become their

Luftwaffe and the attentions of

that natural world. As well as the

family and a real bond has formed

the developers. Turning itself

pride of lions, we see elephant,

backstage.’

into the African savannah eight

As we know from countless

Everything about The Lion

times a week has rejuvenated the

vultures, antelope and crocodile.

King is on a grand scale. There

somewhat stately old pile. In the

Many in the hard-working cast

are sixteen/seventeen in the stage

Lyceum’s Circle of Life, it is

of forty-eight can have a number

crew, a team of six people looking

riding high once more.

of different animals to play, each

after the puppets, five make-

giraffe, wildebeest, hyenas,

Lyceum Theatre Disney’s

The Lion King Box Office 0844 871 7615 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com

10

Interview

Lady Ha Ha

Jodie Prenger plays it for laughs in Spamalot

The whirlwind entailed going

shows for musical theatre so far.

straight from TV’s I’d Do Anything

For the first two the winner was on

into Oliver! to star alongside Mr

each occasion the overwhelming

Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson.

something I leapt at the chance

favourite. Connie Fisher and Lee

‘He’s a gentleman,’ she says. ‘I

of doing,’ she says. ‘I saw the show

Mead have both surged on to

learnt so much from him. I learnt

and loved the comedy, especially

greater things. Jodie Prenger

from all of the Fagins. That sounds

after playing Nancy. She dies at the

never felt quite so confident.

bad, doesn’t it?’ Having spent

end and it’s not the most comical

13 months as Nancy she is now

of roles. The Lady of the Lake

moving on to her second lead role.

is one of those roles where you

‘That’s why I went into full convulsion after the verdict and couldn’t properly string one Interview by Jasper Rees Photography by 11

Manuel Harlan

Spamalot ‘raises silliness to an

There have been three TV talent

Telling the legendary tale of

art form’ (Sunday Times).

‘A musical of this stature was

can let rip and enjoy yourself. It’s

sentence together for ten minutes

King Arthur and his knights of

about having a great time. You

after. This big drama all happened

the Round Table, and featuring a

sing everything from ballads to

within ten seconds - the biggest

bevy of beautiful show girls, not

gospel to pop. There’s even a

whirlwind I’ve ever experienced

to mention cows, killer rabbits

bit of scatting in there’.

in my life.’

and French people, Monty Python’s

In other words the main singing

role in the Tony award-winning

frostbite was worth every minute

Waiting for Godot with Ian

Monty Python musical spoof is a

of it. I went down in my red dress

McKellen and long since shrugged

suitable test for the range Prenger

and shoes and stood outside for

off memories of Stars in Their

displayed in I’d Do Anything. She

two hours. I was very, very nervous

Eyes. Can Prenger put her finger

still has to pinch herself, she says. ‘I

that day, to the point I messed up

on why after several years of

know you get these stories in these

my first song and started in the

rejection and struggle, doors have

‘

been flung open and she’s found

The Lady of the Lake is one of those roles where you can let rip and enjoy yourself. It’s about having a great time. You sing everything from ballads to gospel to pop. There’s even a bit of scatting in there.

’

reality shows: ‘it’s my last chance.’

wrong key and sounded like Susan

But really it was my last chance.

Boyle on helium. I was petrified.’

You get to that sensible age where

ferried by Cameron Mackintosh

should have your career ready. I

into the cast of Les Misérables

was about 28, 29.’

for a month to get experience of She also studied Shakespeare

singing properly till I was 14. I

performance at RADA. ‘Everything

remember my Nan used to mime

is a learning curve,’ she says.

to Shirley Bassey. She couldn’t sing

‘I just want to be like a

a note. Nor can my mum and dad.’

sponge.’

New Yorker

nice in a previous life. I do try to walk old ladies across the road. If you do a lot of good... I believe in karma. What goes around, comes around.’

Later in the year

and their daughter used to do

she’ll be joined by

little shows in the bar.

Matthew Kelly

She made it as far as boot camp

she says. ‘I must have been really

performing in a West End musical.

a singer at school. ‘I didn’t start

Her parents ran a Blackpool hotel

of her profession? ‘I don’t know,’

Once she won, she was rapidly

it’s time to build your nest and you

She was a late developer as

herself catapulted to the pinnacle

‘A no-holds -barred smash hit’

as King Arthur

in The X Factor but didn’t make it

who has won an

onto the live singing show. One

Olivier Award,

of the problems was her size. She

starred in

was a big girl as a teenager, and was always cast in the male roles

Edinburgh Playhouse*

at school. She sang songs from

18 - 23 October Box Office 0844 847 1661

the shows when performing in the north as the opening act for Frank Carson or Ken Dodd. But then came the auditions. ‘I went up for so many West End roles and never got

Oxford New Theatre* 25 - 30 October Box Office 0844 847 1588

Torquay Princess Theatre* 1 - 6 November Box Office 0844 847 2315

them. The last

York Grand Opera House*

one I went for

22 - 27 November Box Office 0844 847 2322

was Hairspray and I was just heartbroken.

I couldn’t take any more.’

Television came to her aid in 2006 when she went on The Biggest Loser, a daytime weight loss show in which she managed to dump

Milton Keynes Theatre 29 November - 4 December Box Office 0844 871 7652

Birmingham Alexandra* 7 December - 1 January Box Office 0844 847 2293

eight stone. ‘It gave me my

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

fitness back and I gained

28 March - 2 April 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7607

confidence.’ She was still uncertain about whether to go up for I’d Do Anything auditions in Manchester which her mother heard about on the radio. ‘Getting

Full casting details and online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com *Online booking at atgv.co.uk

12

News OMG you guys - it’s the Legally Blonde phenomenon!

It’s one thing to sit back smugly

is a mere 44. She is very attractive,

This is something Sonia endorses

with the benefit of hindsight

spirited and entertaining - and

totally. ‘Not only do I endorse it -

and say - yes, I knew Legally

clearly very focussed. After a stint

I live by it,’ she says dryly. ‘It’s not

Blonde would be a phenomenon

as a producer at the National

feminist with a capital F. It’s a story

in the West End - and no, I am

Theatre in the early 90’s, she set up

about empowerment, being true

not surprised it took two million

her own company, Sonia Friedman

to yourself, following your own

pounds in advance sales at the

Productions and has done some

heart. Sometimes as a woman

box office, got rave reviews from

breathtaking work.

climbing the ladder, that’s hard

even the crustiest critics and saw Sonia Friedman

Savoy Theatre

Legally Blonde The Musical Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com 13

Feature by Victoria Kingston

to do.’

unprecedented mayhem at the

for her to watch a show without

When Sonia made that

stage door when Sheridan Smith

seeing it from a business angle.

confident pitch to bring the

was mobbed by fans - that’s one

‘Impossible, yes. I knew Legally

show to London, competing

thing. Quite another to predict all

Blonde was a winner, but I also

with a bunch of other respected

that. To see a show on Broadway

fell in love with it. I found myself

producers, why did she win?

and decide it will be a winner

relating to Elle. It doesn’t pretend

‘Maybe it was my passion for the

in London - and what’s more,

to be an important musical

story combined with seeing the

to be certain that you are the

maybe, but within the story, the

commercial potential right away.

ideal person to produce it. Sonia

importance sneaks up on you. I

I knew the Broadway version was

Friedman, one of our most prolific

found myself grinning - and by the

too big and expensive for us. My

and successful theatrical producers,

end, I was ecstatic and on my feet.’

pitch was to scale it down, focus

did just that.

Sheridan Smith as Elle

Surely it’s impossible, therefore,

Elle Woods, the privileged

more on the story, create a very

To be fair, she is entirely

homecoming queen, dumps her

fluid, simple production. I wanted

formidable. Brought up in a

shop-till-you-drop lifestyle and

to cast real actors - actors who

Bohemian, musical, North London

enrols at Harvard Law School

could sing, rather than traditional

home, she has a clutch of award-

when her boyfriend replaces her

musical stars. I knew comedy was

winning musicals in her CV, but

with a more ‘serious’ girl. The

crucial. Our production has irony.’

also serious drama: All My Sons,

message is: you can be blonde

She pauses. ‘We were so lucky

Othello, The Seagull - an awe-

and pretty and dressed in pink -

Sheridan Smith could sing!’

inspiring list for someone who

and still cut it in a man’s world.

A LANDMARK COMPETITION! Get over to the new Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and bag yourself a bunch of tickets for the opening season!

Q: How many timber fins support the roof of the theatre?

For full details of how to enter this fabulous competition plus terms and conditions visit AmbassadorTickets.com/ aylesburycompetition

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre makes a dazzling entrance This October sees a star-studded

‘As I first made my way to

at the Waterside. An unparalleled

opening night gala with frocks,

Aylesbury for a site visit I was

choice of one night specials will

fizz and magic at the brand-new

struck by the beautiful countryside

include world-class orchestral

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

of Aylesbury Vale, the Chilterns,

music from the Royal Philharmonic

Numerous celebrities and industry

and an idea began to form.’

Orchestra, laughter therapy with

names will be there for the

With these images in mind

controversial comedian Jimmy

black-tie event - a performance

Norman drew a simple sketch.

Carr and music from the most

of Northern Ballet’s must-see Swan

This 3 minute sketch has taken

influential band of their era -

Lake - and they will be joined on-

8 years to come alive but many

The Buzzcocks. Musical favourites

screen by well-wishers from the

original features remain in this

Joseph and Evita will be brought

wider world of entertainment.

stylish building overlooking the

to Aylesbury along with global

As the first step in a major

canal, an easy two-minute walk

phenomenon Calendar Girls, rock

from the town centre.

n roll heaven in Richard O’Brien’s

regeneration of the town, the opening marks a significant

112 timber fins stretch from

Rocky Horror Show, the hilarious

turning point in the renaissance of

a natural stone base to the

Spamalot and the country’s biggest

Aylesbury. The theatre is expecting

undulating roof, following the

and best panto star Cilla Black in

to see 300,000 visitors each

curve of the building, reminiscent

the country’s biggest and best £1

year, bringing hugely increased

of the random scattering of

million family panto - Cinderella.

additional visitor spend to

woodland trees. Over 600 panes

It’s Entertainment Heaven!

the town.

of glass complete the formation

Norman Bragg, lead architect for

the interior of the theatre and

For more details on how to get

talks about his inspiration in

stunning views across the town.

there and how to book tickets visit

its kind planned for this decade.

The glittering opening night kicks off a stunning first season

Cilla Black in Cinderella Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show

providing natural light throughout

the Arts Team at RHWL architects, creating the first and only build of

Inset pictures

Jodie Prenger in Spamalot Julian Lloyd Webber

AmbassadorTickets.com/aylesbury

Feature by

or call 0844 871 7607.

Becky Martin

14

Style

Style

CELEBRATE! We asked cast members from Legally Blonde - the biggest party musical in the West End - to help us celebrate 10 years of the Ambassador Group magazine!

EMMA WEARS Gold knit jumper £54.90 at Mango mango.com

Black strappy shoes £49 Autograph

Gold and black bangles

at M&S marksandspencer.com

£14 at Monsoon monsoon.co.uk

Black glittery bag £12 at M&S Gold bangles £12 Jon Richard at Debenhams debenhams.com

Necklace stylists own

JANE WEARS Pink ruched dress £45 at Warehouse

Black strappy shoes £49 Autograph at M&S marksandspencer.com

warehouse.co.uk

Faux fur shrug vintage at Portobello market

Metal cuff vintage Patent cream high heels £65 at Aldo aldoshoes.com

TAMARA WEARS Black striped dress £56 at Warehouse

Satin clutch bag £6 at M&S

Gold knot necklace £12 at Warehouse Black shoes vintage Gold and black bangles £14 at Monsoon monsoon.co.uk

All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers.

Savoy Theatre

Legally Blonde The Musical Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com Feature by Julie Jones

Bronze shoes with bow £72 at Office office.co.uk

EMMA BATEMAN (Party food: jelly and icecream) ‘Legally Blonde is a happy, feelgood show. It’s such fun to be in - you can see people in the audience smiling back at you.’

JANE MCMURTRIE (Party song: It’s Rainin’ Men) ‘All girls will love it!

If I go in in a bad mood, I come out feeling better.’

TAMARA WALL (Party theme: pyjama!)

‘We get millions of hen parties in - and groups of girls and boys out for the night dressed in pink!

It’s mad, funny and a constant laugh.’

Going Out

Destinations with Sparkle Seasonal inspiration in the heart of England

visitbuckinghamshire.org chilternsaonb.org buckscc.gov.uk/museum farmersbar.co.uk

Pleasing everyone on a precious

County Museum, in Aylesbury’s

the East Wing opens with popular

day out isn’t always easy. So

old town, celebrates the author’s

‘floodlit evenings’ in November

solve the problem this winter by

life with a Children’s Gallery where

including musical entertainment.

exploring three very different

little ones can let their imagination

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t

yet culturally significant locations

run wild. Full of hands-on exhibits

be complete without a panto and

situated north of the capital.

Historic Aylesbury Wrap up warm and head to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding

they don’t come bigger than Cilla Black as the Fairy Godmother

Peach or crawl along Fantastic

in Cinderella at the Aylesbury

Mr Fox’s tunnel.

Waterside Theatre. Expect a

Grown-ups can make time

sparkling festive debut for the

Natural Beauty for a brisk,

for a visit to the Farmers’ Bar at

energising walk. Close to Aylesbury

The King’s Head, owned by the

and criss-crossed by a network

National Trust and run by The

Milton Keynes Magic

of footpaths and bridleways, the

Chiltern Brewery. It is believed

Activate your sense of adventure

rolling landscape is characterised

that a pub has stood on the

with a trip to SNO!zone, located

by tranquil valleys, wooded hills,

Market Square in Aylesbury since

inside Xscape Milton Keynes.

dramatic viewpoints and charming

the 1400s, welcoming visitors as

Furnished with indoor snow year-

villages.

diverse as Oliver Cromwell and

round, there are regular skiing and

Richard Burton over the years.

snowboarding sessions on offer,

Today, as Britain’s oldest coaching

plus lessons can be booked to suit

inn, it serves up local ales, wines

all levels of expertise. Families can

and champagnes with traditional

also participate in fun activities

jewelleryquarter.net

English fare. A great choice for

such as sledging.

bmag.org.uk

a relaxing lunch or pre-theatre

waddesdon.org.uk destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk snozoneuk.com bletchleypark.org.uk thecentremk.com visitbirmingham.com britishwaterways.co.uk

dinner.

lasangroup.com

Waddesdon Manor, another

birmingham.gov.uk/ frankfurtmarket For details of Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery

UK’s newest theatre.

If winter sports sound too strenuous, stimulate the mind at picturesque Bletchley Park.

National Trust property, is the

Wonderfully portrayed in hit film

perfect place in which to mark

Enigma, this heritage site was

the start of the festive season. The

once the base for Britain’s best

Renaissance-style château, dating

brains who raced against all the

from 1874, literally lights up from

odds to break Nazi codes during

and Milton Keynes Theatre

Famous local resident Roald

November, offering all manner of

World War ll. This significance is

see AmbassadorTickets.com

Dahl lived in the village of Great

Christmas events including a Gift

not forgotten today as visitors

Missenden for 30 years, writing

Fair and Food Market. Elegantly

learn about the fascinating story

Theatre, Birmingham see

most of his books there. Fittingly

decorated for the occasion - this

of interception, decryption and

alexandratheatre.org.uk

the nearby Buckinghamshire

year with a Parisienne theme -

analysis in Block-B Museum, taking

For the Alexandra 17

inspired by Dahl’s stories, kids can venture inside the Giant

Images top l-r Museum of the Jewellery Quarter The Chilterns Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham Waddesdon Manor in an exhibit of the famed Enigma

roots, one of its best-kept secrets

is a curry house with a difference,

machine.

is the extensive, intricate canal

serving up exciting and innovative

system, which has a history

Indian meals in contemporary

to be distracted from the comfort

stretching back over 200 years.

surroundings.

of the centre:mk, where 240

To navigate your way around

stores, cafés and restaurants come

some interesting waterside walks

cheer by treating loved ones

together under one roof. Millions

- a good introduction to top city

to goodies from the legendary

of people flock to the centre every

attractions - stop in at the British

Frankfurt Christmas Market

year to escape the cold winter

Waterways’ Canal Information

(18 Nov - 23 Dec) and lining

weather and enjoy well-deserved

Centre, Gas Street Basin, for

stockings with theatre tickets. This

retail therapy.

information. Children can follow

Christmas, the Tony award-winning

the 20-minute Ollie the Otter trail

Spamalot by Eric Idle, starring

that passes the National Sea Life

Jodie Prenger and Matthew

Centre. Any stroll should also take

Kelly descends on the Alexandra

in Brindley Place, packed with

Theatre, Birmingham - expect

vibrant bars and restaurants.

Python inspired

Serious shoppers won’t want

Slightly off the beaten track, the Jewellery Quarter combines listed

Finally, spread some festive

maythem to ensue.

buildings, art galleries and an old cemetery with ghostly catacombs

SNO!zone

with hundreds of specialist retailers selling handcrafted pieces.

In addition to featuring the city’s Lasan Alternatively, beat the cold

only remaining Georgian Square home to St Paul’s Church - the area

with a good dose of culture.

also boasts the Museum of the

Milton Keynes Theatre is one of

Jewellery Quarter complete with

the region’s top live entertainment

live demonstrations and details

venues and is staging seasonal

about Birmingham’s jewellery

treats from Dick Whittington with

and metalworking heritage.

Joanna Page to Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella.

Birmingham Buzz

Remain in the quarter for a well-deserved meal. Voted Best Local Restaurant by

While Britain’s second city is

Gordon Ramsay’s

Feature by

renowned for its manufacturing

The F Word, Lasan

Neena Dhillon

18

‘I FELT I MIGHT ACTUALLY DIE OF LAUGHTER’ THE INDEPENDENT

18 - 23 OCT

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

0844 847 1661

25 - 30 OCT

OXFORD NEW THEATRE

0844 847 1588

1 - 6 NOV

TORQUAY PRINCESS THEATRE

0844 847 2315

8 - 13 NOV

HIGH WYCOMBE SWAN THEATRE

01494 512 000

15 - 20 NOV

THEATRE ROYAL BATH

01225 448844

22 - 27 NOV

YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE

0844 847 2322

29 NOV - 4 DEC

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

0844 871 7652

7 DEC - 1 JAN

BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDRA

0844 847 2293

17 - 22 JAN

LLANDUDNO VENUE CYMRU

01492 872000

24 - 29 JAN

SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION

01702 351135

31 JAN - 5 FEB

PLYMOUTH THEATRE ROYAL

01752 230440

28 FEB - 5 MAR

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

0844 847 2499

28 MAR - 2 APR

AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE

0844 871 7607

www.spamalotontour.co.uk