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