ATG Magazine Winter 2011

Ambassador Theatre Group

WINTER 2011

Dame Edna Glamour and scandal backstage

David Hasselhoff

‘I’m still a boy at heart’ Join the UK’s best new theatre club!

The ATG Theatre Card

Leading ladies

Thandie Newton Samantha Womack

HOTLIST!

Ghost at the Piccadilly Marcus Brigstocke 1940’s in vogue

Things to do, people to see

atgtickets.com

The Ambassador Theatre Group

2 1 3

1 South Pacific 2 Ghost The Musical 3 Oloroso lounge, Edinburgh

Christmas Presence

1

Everage and Hasselhoff go head to head

A Magical Night

What’s on in London Chance Encounter

3

Visions and illusions in Ghost The Musical

Competition

9

A night to remember at Legally Blonde The Musical

Thandie Newton opens up

More from membership 11 The new ATG Theatre Card

Some Enchanted Evening 5

Silliness Reigns

Samantha Womack has audiences under her spell

Marcus Brigstocke’s comedy kingdom

The Treasured Islands of Samoa

8

13

1940’s Fantasy

14 15

Be seduced by South Pacific style

Cities of Distinction

17

Super-chic destinations for the festive season

7

Ambassador Group productions

Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 8717 607 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 8717 650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 8717 620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 8717 648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 8717 647 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 8717 652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 8717 651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 8717 649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 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 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Al Senter, Caroline Bishop, Nancy Groves, Benedict Nightingale, Victoria Kingston, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Karen Cody, Ben Prudhoe, Alice Gimblett Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Print The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR

The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.

Cover photograph by Greg Gorman

Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 The Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly The Comedy Theatre) 0844 871 7622 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630 Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631 Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687 Trafalgar Studios 0844 871 7632

‘Captain Hook is a villain but he’s a villain you love to hate. He’s a bit like Simon Cowell in that respect.’

Interview

David is, of course, known to

stage in my career when I’m at the

competition?

millions as the star of Knight Rider,

height of my powers. In addition,

‘I don’t think I’ll be upstaged

Baywatch and latterly Britain’s Got

my gynaecologist lives nearby and

by any other dame in the show,

Talent but his first ambition was

he’s promised me regular

I assure you. I am a diva, after all,

to go on the stage. ‘I love live

explorations. He’s even offered to

a solo performer who is normally

performance’ he says. ‘The

stand by in the wings.’

by herself on stage.’

audience reaction is so immediate

How will Dame Edna embrace

Dame Edna’s packed future

and so gratifying. When I was

the conventions of pantomime -

schedule includes the narration

doing Peter Pan, I’d often sit on

with its custom of cross-dressing,

of Walton’s Facades and she’s also

the stage before the show or go

for example?

looking forward to tackling some

up into the rafters, just to

‘It’s a tradition, isn’t it?’ she

of the best-known roles in serious

experience the atmosphere of an

observes. ‘Normally I find the idea

theatre. ‘I’m so excited by the

empty theatre. It was magical. I

of a man dressing up as a woman a

thought of appearing in Dick

may be fifty-nine years old now

little unsavoury. In my experience,

Whittington’ she says. ‘I’m sure

but The Hoff’s still a boy at heart.’

it’s a sure sign of a broken home.

that it will lead to me starring in

Dame Edna, by contrast, is a

But for theatrical purposes, it

plays by Shakespeare and Chekhov.

seasoned live performer. She

should be allowed.’

And I have my eye on Phaedra. It’s

discloses that it’s the perfect

Another pantomime convention

practically Edna spelt backwards,

Starring David Hasselhoff 10 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3012

moment for her to make her

is the presence of a dame. How

more or less. I truly feel that I’m

pantomime debut. ‘I’m at that

will Dame Edna deal with the

on the crest of a wave!’

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Dick Whittington Starring Jonathan Wilkes & Gillian Wright 9 - 31 Dec 2011 Box Office 0844 871 7607

Bristol Hippodrome

peter pan

Sleeping beauty Starring Karen Dunbar & Keith Jack 2 Dec 2011 - 8 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7648

Manchester Palace Theatre

CINDERELLA Starring Louie Spence, Suzanne Shaw & Tam Ryan 3 - 31 Dec 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3018

Milton Keynes Theatre

ALADDIN Starring Gareth Gates & Paul Burling 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7652

Christmas Presence

Hoff’s the Hook and Dame Edna’s the Diva in a galaxy of stars this Christmas

Images l-r: Suzanne Shaw David Hasselhoff Steve McFadden Dame Edna Everage Gareth Gates Interview by Al Senter Photography by 1

Paul Clapp

Richmond Theatre

CINDERELLA Starring Jenny Eclair & Gary Wilmot 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7651

Following the overwhelming

practising my tap and fencing

stayed true to the character and

success of his Captain Hook in

skills, studying method acting

to the story, you could spice it up

last year’s pantomime Peter Pan

and taking lessons in mime from

a bit for the adult audience in the

DICK WHITTINGTON

at Wimbledon, David Hasselhoff

Marcel Marceau with the help of

evenings. Captain Hook is a villain

is back on these shores, wielding

a medium and an ouija board,

but he’s a villain you love to hate.

his trusty cutlass at the Bristol

of course.’

He’s a bit like Simon Cowell in that

Hippodrome. But Wimbledonians

The Hoff is equally passionate

respect. And he doesn’t take himself too seriously, which also

Starring Dame Edna Everage, Sam Attwater & Anna Williamson 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7646

New Wimbledon Theatre

need not feel too bereft since

about his forthcoming

they’ll be playing host to

engagement. ‘The response to the

connects you to the audience.’

Melbourne’s finest, Dame Edna

show was so phenomenal last year,

Barrie’s perennial favourite is

New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Everage. The housewife/megastar

I’m told that it broke every Box

still hugely popular, more than

peter pan

is making an overdue debut in Dick

Office record. I feel such an

a hundred years since it was first

Whittington, and she is typically

emotional connection to the role.

staged. ‘There’s something about

Starring Steve McFadden Harry Derbridge, Amy Bird & Andy Collins 9 Dec 2011 - 15 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7645

leaving no stone unturned in her

Fifty years ago, I took part in a

being the eternal boy that

preparations for the role of The

production of Peter Pan. I fell in

resonates with us’ says David. ‘I’m

Saviour of London.

love then with the story.’

continually trying to get back to

‘I’m already in training for

Playing Captain Hook last year

that feeling of being a child again,

what’s going to be the highlight

was ‘so much fun. We were doing

when your reactions came

of my career,’ enthuses Dame

two shows a day for six weeks

naturally, when you were like a

Edna. ‘It’s my first real role in

which is a brutal schedule but

Lost Boy and you spent your

the serious theatre and I’ve been

whereas at the matinée, you

time having adventures.’

For full casting details & online booking for all pantos across ATG venues this year 2 visit atgtickets.com

Interview

a magical Night The stars come out for the opening night of Ghost The Musical

It is appropriate that Matthew

burst into applause and give the

my own model theatre. I used to

Warchus, the multi award-winning

response that’s appropriate to a

make not only scenery and lighting

director of hit new show Ghost

magic show and therefore not be

for it but also illusions, to make

The Musical, describes being at

emotionally involved at that

ghosts appear and disappear.’

its opening night in London as

moment. So we crafted them

With the London production

‘an out-of-body experience.’

very carefully.’

already extended to October 2012,

After years of planning and an

Doing so took two years of

Matthew now has the chance to

intense period of rehearsing to

development with his regular

recreate the same magic on

bring this spectacular musical to

collaborators, illusionist Paul

Broadway, with the show opening

fruition, first in Manchester and

Kieve, designer Rob Howell and

there next spring. No doubt, with

now in the West End, it’s no

lighting designer Hugh Vanstone.

his trusted team behind him, he

wonder that by the time the

Prototypes were built and tested,

can pull it off again. But one

press descended on the Piccadilly

the script and music were altered

thing’s for sure, by the time

Theatre in July, Matthew was

to help facilitate the magic, and

opening night rolls around, the

feeling ‘completely wiped out.’

the set was designed to

director will be too tired to party.

For him, the reward wasn’t a

accommodate the illusions

‘I go home,’ he says with a smile,

much deserved glass of champagne

effectively.

‘and I usually have a marmite

with composers and lyricists Dave

But they had no idea if it

sandwich and a cup of tea and

Stewart and Glen Ballard at the

would work until the first

go to bed.’

after-show party, but witnessing

audiences arrived in Manchester.

the reactions of audiences night

‘What completely caught me out

after night: ‘To sit in the theatre

was that it would be possible to

and to see an audience so churned

clap and cry at the same time,’

up and delighted and moved by

says Matthew. The team had

this particular piece, is what it’s

pulled it off.

all about as a director.’

Creating Ghost The

His achievement in staging

Musical is the continuation

Ghost The Musical is particularly

of a long-held passion

impressive. Though magic has

for the Tony-

featured in many of his shows

winning director.

- from Peter Pan in Leeds in 1996

‘The magical

to West End behemoth The Lord

mysterious

Of The Rings to his latest show

side of

Matilda The Musical - this, the

theatre, the

story of a murdered man who

secrecy of

returns as a ghost to protect his

it, the

girlfriend, contains some of the

veiled

most complex effects Matthew

illusion of

has worked on. Spirits rise from

theatre,

dead bodies, ghosts walk through

has always

walls and a letter unfolds by itself.

excited

But it wasn’t enough just to create

me,’ he

extraordinary tricks. ‘I wanted the

says. ‘As a

magic not to disrupt the emotional

child I had

Matthew Warchus

HHHHH ‘A new West End hit has landed.’

Time Out

HHHHH ‘Jaw-droppingly amazing.’

MEN

HHHH

‘An unearthly hit.’

Evening Standard

moments, and of course the opportunities for illusions in the story of Ghost tend to occur at very emotional moments,’ he says. ‘The danger was that in planning the show we would end up with illusions that were so effective that the audience would

Piccadilly Theatre, London

Ghost The Musical 1

1 Karen Brady

3

2

2 Joe McElderry 3 McFly 4 Dave Stewart, Caissie

4

5

6

Levy, Richard Fleeshman 5 Denise van Outen

7

6 JLS

8

Starring Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy, Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Langtree Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at atgtickets.com Feature by Caroline Bishop

7 Kimberley Walsh

Photography by Paul Clapp

8 Bob Geldof

and Sean Ebsworth Barnes

4

rodgers and hammerstein’s

Interview

Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

South Pacific Directed by Bartlett Sher

Milton Keynes 12 - 22 October Box Office 0844 871 7652

Manchester Palace with Liverpool One co-star, Mark

singing ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man

for ‘cockeyed optimist’ Nellie and

Womack, she became tabloid

Right Out of My Hair’. ‘Maybe it

the biggest challenge of her career

fodder. So life has had its dark

looks okay from a distance,’ she

to date, headlining a show that

moments.

laughs, before explaining she is

won seven Tony Awards during its

But so does South Pacific. Sher’s

strapped in within an inch of her

New York run, the musical’s first

production has been praised for

microphone. ‘Nothing about Nellie

8 - 19 November Box Office 0844 871 7647

since its original 1949 Broadway

restoring the moral light and

was easy for me to get into,’ she

production. ‘I had every reason

shade that Hollywood edited

concludes. ‘But it always takes time

Bristol Hippodrome

to go for it,’ says Womack. ‘It’s

out in 1959 in favour of glorious

to find a character and I feel like

period, it’s set in the Deep South.

technicolour. ‘I love the fact the

I’m finally starting to feel her. It’s

Nellie is one of the furthest

darker stuff has been reinstated,’

like a pair of shoes; you have to

New Theatre Oxford

characters from me that I’ve

says Womack. ‘I read the original

wear them in.’

ever played.’

Tales of the South Pacific novel,

6 - 31 December Box Office 0844 871 3020

HHHH

‘A musical masterpiece.

It’s a revelation.’

Mail on Sunday

HHHH

Some Enchanted evening Samantha Womack dazzles audiences in South Pacific Supported by

Interview by Nancy Groves Photography by 5

Simon Annand

Ever wondered where this

‘wonderful guy’ (Paulo Szot) on a

At the time, she wasn’t on the

autumn’s fabulous 1940s fashion

remote Pacific island in the dying

look-out for a musical, despite

has sprung from? Look no further

days of World War II. When her

impressing as Miss Adelaide in the

than South Pacific, says Samantha

biography describes Womack as

West End production of Guys and

Womack, star of the award-

one of Britain’s most versatile

Dolls (opposite the late Patrick

winning Lincoln Centre Theatre

actresses, it doesn’t lie. It’s not

Swayze) but she was certainly

production which wowed London

every star who can go straight

after a change of tune.

this summer and goes out on tour

from TV to the warm-hearted,

‘I was looking for a part that

from October. ‘Apparently Anna

light-footed lead in a Rodgers &

was inherently different,’ says

Wintour came to see the show

Hammerstein classic.

Samantha. ‘Often when you’ve

in New York and started putting

Quite literally. On the morning

played a role you’ve become well

1940s looks into Vogue. So we all

of her South Pacific audition for

known for, you get offered other

have Nellie Forbush to thank!’

Broadway legend and director

parts in a similar vein. And some

None more so than Womack,

Bartlett Sher, Womack was still

of those parts were fantastic. But

dazzling audiences as the US army

filming some of Eastenders’ most

I’d done that for four years - I

nurse who falls in love with her

emotional scenes.

wouldn’t be able to bring anything

25 October - 5 November Box Office 0844 871 3018

new to them.’ Instead, she opted

It was as another bubbly blonde

which won a Pulitzer, and it’s so

- lovable if man-eating Mandy

informative about what these

in 1990s sitcom, Game On - that

people were actually going

she first captured the public

through. That strange feeling of

imagination. What makes Nellie

being on your own in a place that

different? ‘She is so of her time,’

looks like paradise but is so far

says Womack. ‘She’s from Little

from home.’

Rock, Arkansaw and has that very

Then there are Nellie’s deep

specific small town mindset. On

South attitudes. ‘On the first

the one hand, Nellie shoots from

few nights, I was scared. I

the hip; on the other, she can be

thought, ‘I’m never going to win

very naïve and innocent.’

them back round.’ But with a

Unlike the Womack of popular

flawed character, the chance of

lore - or Samantha Janus as she

redemption is so much stronger.

was when Game On made her an

People relate to faults much more

FHM poster girl. There was only

than to perfection.’

ever one lads’ mag shoot, she

Of course, as flaws go, Womack

says, but when her first marriage

shows precious few, even when

broke down and she got involved

dancing around in a satin swimsuit,

Turn over for more South Pacific escapes!

‘No lover of musical theatre should miss it.’

Daily Telegraph

HHHHH

‘That’s some enchanted evening.’

Daily Mail

Theatre Royal Glasgow

22 November - 3 December Box Office 0844 871 3012

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 7 - 18 February 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3011

Liverpool Empire 21 February - 3 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3017

Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 6 March - 17 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7649

Wimbledon Theatre 20 March - 31 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7646

Edinburgh Playhouse 3 - 14 April 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3014

Sunderland Empire 1 - 12 May 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3022 Online booking at atgtickets.com

6

What’s On

Buy Your West End Tickets Here apollo victoria 0844 871 7615

phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629

There has never been a better time to experience ‘the hit musical with brains, heart & courage’ (S. Telegraph) as it flies into its sixth spellbinding year.

‘Exhilarating. One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times

harold pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622

piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630

by Ariel Dorfman Hollywood star Thandie Newton is directed by Jeremy Herrin in this riveting thriller.

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

donmar warehouse 0844 871 7624

playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631

Wicked

Death and the Maiden

Inadmissible Evidence A poignant, witty and intensely compelling play by John Osborne.

Blood Brothers

Ghost The Musical

Dreamboats and Petticoats

HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub thumping fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph

duke of york’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

Backbeat

The story of the birth of the Beatles, adapted from Iain Softley’s 1994 film and featuring all-time rock ’n’ roll classics.

savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

Legally Blonde The Musical

Starring Susan McFadden and Lee Mead. Winner! Best New Musical 2011 Olivier Awards.

fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626

TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0844 871 7632

One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail

Caryl Churchill’s witty and daring landmark play comes direct from a sell-out run in Chichester.

lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615

TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632

The Woman in Black

Disney’s

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

‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard

Top Girls

Third Floor

Hilarious new thriller starring Craig Gazey and Emily Head.

the old vic 0844 871 7628

TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2* 0844 871 7632

BAFTA Award-winner John Crowley directs J M Synge’s irreverent comic masterpiece.

Salt Root and Roe 10 Nov - Sat 3 Dec Dublin Carol Thu 8 Dec - Sat 31 Dec Huis Clos Thu 5 Jan - Sat 28 Jan 2012

The Playboy of the Western World

Donmar Trafalgar Season

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

Interview

and doesn’t know where she’ll end

Flirting. She’s also as acute as she’s

insecure and even bulimic as a

up’. As she once said, she’s ‘good

attractive, having a Cambridge

result. She’s now happily married

at playing emotionally strangled

degree in anthropology that

and has two children, but she

people’, which Paulina certainly

taught her to observe a difficult

admits to having endured self-

is. Moreover, she thinks there’s an

world coolly and clinically as well

hatred, and struggled to find

urgent need to discuss the issues

as do far more research than is

peace, contentment and the

about power that the play raises:

usual for an actor. The fulfilling

sense of shared humanity and

what’s justice, what’s revenge,

days she spent in Downing College

responsibility for others that she

is there a balance to be found

library have, she says, been echoed

now thinks all-important.

between the two? ‘It’s a fantastic

in her preparation for Paulina.

Certainly, she exudes a hard-

opportunity to have this discourse

Reading in depth about Chile,

won confidence. Far from being

in the West End. But what’s so

human rights abuses and ‘the long-

alarmed at the prospect of facing

terrific about this piece is that

lasting trauma of torture and how

a live audience rather than a

it’s all threaded into the tapestry

it affects both perpetrators and

camera crew, ‘I can’t wait, I’m so

of a thriller full of suspense that

victims makes me more informed,

excited, what’s the point of being

keeps you on the edge of your seat

gives me and the director more

frightened?’ her only regret is

as well as informs, provokes and

choices, helps me play the honest

not being home in north London

challenges.’

song of the character’.

‘to be there when my kids go to

‘

bed or give them hot soup if they

Chance Encounter

Thandie Newton stars in the compelling thriller Death and the Maiden

What’s so terrific about this piece is that it’s all threaded into the tapestry of a thriller full of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat as well as informs, provokes and challenges.

Though she’s known for her

Actually, Thandie already

film performances - winning the

knows a good deal about

’

get colds and snuggle them to sleep’. But the compensation is the chance to explore the psychology of a woman who feels her pain has gone unacknowledged and unaddressed for years and years in a nation still largely in denial: ‘There are these pockets of

Anthony Calf

people in the world who are like

Tom Goodman-Hill

boils waiting to burst, and you can’t keep repressing that kind

BAFTA for Crash, starring opposite

traumatic events. ‘As a half-

Oprah Winfrey in Beloved and as

Zimbabwean I feel the desperation

of agony. And I see Paulina as

Condoleezza Rice in Oliver Stone’s

and frustration of relatives on the

someone who has been put to

W - Thandie Newton has more

ground,’ she says. She’s a board

sleep. She’s sleepwalking, but

than enough experience in every

member of V-Day, whose large

with a bomb in her heart, in her

sense for so demanding a stage

and sophisticated refuge in the

soul, and at some point, yes, it’s

role. She’s shown rare versatility

Congo offers women protection,

going to explode. And it does.’

since, having seen her prospective

education and, where possible,

career as a dancer ruined by injury,

empowerment. As a mixed-

she appeared in 1991 alongside

race person, she never felt she

the then-unknown Nicole Kidman

belonged in Cornwall, where she

in a coming-of-age film,

was brought up, and she became

The Harold Pinter Theatre In a fitting tribute to the man who over his 50 year career became recognised as one of the most influential modern British dramatists, London’s

resonance - think Libya, think

him. He was the doctor who

Comedy Theatre has been renamed The Harold

worth reviving than the one that’s

of the Arab Spring itself.

presided over her torture sessions,

Pinter Theatre.

about to give Hollywood star

Thandie plays Paulina, a

deciding just how much electricity

The work of Pinter is an integral part of the

Thandie Newton her professional

character performed by Juliet

she could take without dying -

theatre’s history and it has been the West End

stage debut at The Harold Pinter

Stevenson in London, Glenn Close

and, to the horror of her husband,

home to no less than 7 Pinter productions over

Theatre I can’t think of it. Ariel

on Broadway and Sigourney

she determines on the bloody

the last 21 years including The Caretaker with

The Harold Pinter Theatre

Dorfman’s award-winning Death

Weaver in Roman Polanski’s film

retaliation that may or may not

Michael Gambon, The Lover and The Collection

and the Maiden first appeared

version. Paulina was arrested and

occur as a complex but riveting

with Gina McKee and most recently Betrayal

Death and the Maiden

at the Royal Court in 1991, when

hideously abused when she was

thriller unfolds.

starring Kristin Scott Thomas.

the dramatist’s native Chile was

a medical student and is now

What attracted Thandie to

The first show to open at the newly renamed

trying to come to terms with a

married to Gerardo, a lawyer.

the part? ‘It’s one of the great

Harold Pinter Theatre will be Ariel Dorfman’s

Pinochet era during which many of

Her husband brings home Roberto,

roles, a three-dimensional and

Death and the Maiden. Dorfman said: ‘How

its citizens had been tortured and

who stopped and helped him

very believable person but also

wondrous that the very play that owed its first

killed. Set in a country that has just

when he had a flat tyre on the

a metaphor for so much of

life to Pinter, will now be reborn inside a

Photography by

democratised after a long period

road, and Paulina, rightly or

humanity, a woman who was once

theatre that bears his name!’

Michael Birt

of dictatorship it has a particular

wrongly, decides she recognises

innocent and was then traumatised

www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk

Interview by Benedict Nightingale

9

If there’s a modern play more

he formERly t e atr comedy the

by Ariel Dorfman Starring Thandie Newton, Tom Goodman-Hill & Anthony Calf Booking until 21 January 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7622 Online booking at 10 atgtickets.com

ATG Theatre Card gives you:

News

Priority tickets - get the best seats first!

Special ticket offers including half price on many productions No booking or postage fees on most shows Priority brochure just for you Fee free ticket exchange Save 10% on pre-show and interval drinks Free cloakroom Accepted at 39 venues across the UK and in the West End star David Suchet in A Long Day’s

with a ‘knight’ to remember

Theatre, the mighty We Will Rock

Journey into Night which will tour

from Spamalot starring Marcus

You at the Edinburgh Playhouse

to ATG venues from March 2012.

Brigstocke and Todd Carty.

and the Sunderland Empire can

For sheer escapism, hilarious family

The New Alexandra Theatre

look forward to a fluffy pink

fun and glittering set pieces in a

Birmingham will be hand-jiving

festive time with Legally Blonde

festive atmosphere pantomime is

their way into the New Year with

The Musical heading their way!

the winning ticket - Dame Edna

smash-hit Grease and audiences

The ATG Theatre Card is only

Everage, David Hasselhoff and

at the Oxford New Theatre will

£30 and allows you to buy up to

Steve McFadden among many

be heading to warmer climes with

4 tickets for each show. It’s the

others can be seen at a theatre

South Pacific. Theatre-goers at the

perfect membership to ensure

near you this Christmas.

Liverpool Empire can enjoy a real

you get the seats that you want,

There are also Christmas shows

festive treat with Tommy Steele

for the performance that you

galore across the regions.

in Scrooge followed by White

want and at the right price. Why

Theatre Royal Brighton will be looking on the bright side of life

More from membership

A new membership scheme offers a great deal at more theatres than ever before

11

Images top l-r: Spamalot We Will Rock You Legally Blonde middle l-r: Keira Knightley in The Children’s Hour Peppa pig Northern Ballet Cleopatra Bill Bailey bottom l-r: James Corden in One Man, Two Guvnors David Suchet in A Long Day’s Journey into Night South Pacific Right hand page: Grease

It’s the talk of the town. October

End venues.

exchange - always a useful feature

marks the launch of a brand

Love a bargain? Members of the

when plans go haywire.

new theatre membership card.

scheme will have exclusive access

But undoubtedly the card’s

The ATG Theatre Card is the only

to special offers including half

biggest asset is that it can be

membership scheme in the UK that

price tickets on selected shows.

used at 39 venues across the UK

offers benefits across theatres from

Always want to be first in the

and in the West End making it

Glasgow to Brighton taking in the

queue? Members can get the best

the essential must-have item for

West End of London.

seats first. Looking to save money

theatre lovers everywhere and a

ATG Theatre Card takes all the

on your visit to the theatre?

great stocking filler this Christmas.

most attractive benefits from

ATG Theatre Card will save you

And from must-have to must-

AmbassadorFriends and LiveCard

10% on pre-show and interval

see there’s never a shortage of

and rolls them into one - a card

drinks and grant you free use of

showstoppers at ATG theatres.

that customers will be able to use

the cloakroom. Want to avoid

Members can enjoy a packed

in their local theatre, other ATG

booking and postage fees on most

programme of delights from

theatres in major cities and towns

shows? Membership offers you

children’s favourites like Peppa Pig

around the UK and in ATG’s West

this together with fee-free ticket

to top quality drama from Poirot

Christmas with Adam Cooper and Aled Jones, there’s Dirty Dancing at the

39 venues for £30

not join the 100,000 customers already enjoying the benefits of membership and join today!

Manchester Palace

Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard Call 0844 8717633 Visit Your nearest ATG venue Box Office

*ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets and drinks with their card. Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events.

ATG reserves the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice. For full terms and conditions please visit our website.

12

Interview Spamalot Theatre Royal Brighton 15 Dec 2011 - 14 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 650

Empire Theatre Liverpool 16 - 21 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3017

New Theatre Oxford 23 - 28 Jan 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3020

Grimsby Auditorium 30 Jan - 4 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3016

New Victoria Theatre Woking 6 - 11 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 645

Princess Theatre Torquay 13 - 18 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3023

Grand Opera House York 20 - 25 Feb 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3024

Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 27 Feb - 3 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 649

King’s Theatre Glasgow

Silliness Reigns

Competition

Marcus Brigstocke is King of the castle in Spamalot Avid readers of this magazine will

Savoy Theatre

comedy. ‘I think it’s great jokes,’

touring, but it’s

recall that, about a year ago, we

he says emphatically. ‘It’s obviously

very hard being

ran a feature on Spamalot, the

about timing - but it’s also the

away from my

Tony award-winning musical,

right joke in the right

children. We

Legally Blonde The Musical

Starring Susan McFadden & Lee Mead Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com

‘lovingly ripped off’ from the now

environment. Something that

miss each other.

iconic movie Monty Python and

made us laugh in Spamalot, for

On the other hand,

the Holy Grail. Written by John

example, might not make sense

I like seeing new places

Du Prez and Python Eric Idle, it

out of context.’

- even though it might be you

had loads to offer: all singing,

A regular on TV’s Have I Got

never want to go back to some

all dancing, brand new songs,

News for You and Just a Minute,

of them! Last time we toured,

(though naturally it had to include

Brigstocke’s film credits include

I spent time in Bath and York -

Always Look on the Bright Side

Love Actually and Telstar. He has

I absolutely loved both of them.

of Life), Todd Carty and Jodie

also published his first book,

I also reappraised my opinion of

Manchester Opera House

Prenger - and the ever funny

God Collar, which explores very

Liverpool, which can be a difficult

Marcus Brigstocke.

personal issues surrounding

place for comedians. I’m really

18 - 29 October Box Office 0844 871 3018

The tour was a runaway success,

religious faith in his own incisive

thrilled to be going back into

seen by more than 300,000 people

and humorous style. Does he thrive

Spamalot as Arthur. I’ve been

in 50 weeks. And the legendary

on diverse challenges? ‘Yes. The

playing Mr Perks in The Railway

On Tour

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 4 - 15 October Box Office 0844 871 3011

Princess Theatre Torquay 8 - 19 November Box Office 0844 871 3023

story of King Arthur, a cast of

greatest thing is variety,’ he says.

Children, so I’ve just shaved off an

naughty knights, cows, killer

‘But comedy has always been the

impressive railway man moustache

Sunderland Empire

rabbits and French people had

backbone of my career. I’ve always

and I’m left with stubble. But come

audiences roaring with laughter

returned to it - be it stand-up or

our first venue in Brighton, I’ll be

6 - 31 December Box Office 0844 871 3022

night after night. As he prepares

sketch.’

fully bearded up and ready to go!’

for another tour this winter, we

And as he returns to Spamalot,

ask Marcus Brigstocke to reveal the

we wonder if he will enjoy doing

secret of that elusive thing - great

another big tour. ‘Well, I like

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 31 January - 11 February 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7607

Theatre Royal Brighton

12 - 17 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 647

13 - 24 March 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7650

Edinburgh Playhouse 19 - 24 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3014

Online booking at atgtickets.com

Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 26 - 31 Mar 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3011

Richmond Theatre 2 - 7 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 651

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 9 - 14 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 607

Sunderland Empire 16 - 21 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3022

Bristol Hippodrome 23 - 28 Apr 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3012

Churchill Theatre Bromley 30 Apr - 5 May 2012 Box Office 0844 8717 620

Opera House Manchester 7 - 12 May 2012 Box Office 0844 871 3018 Full casting details and online booking at atgtickets.com Interview by Victoria Kingston 13

Photography by Eric Richmond

Join college sweetheart and

School in a bid to win him back

cast and crew of Legally Blonde!

homecoming queen Elle Woods

after he dumps her for someone

To get your hands on this

(and her adorable Chihuahua,

more ‘serious’. With plenty of glitz,

amazing prize, simply answer

Bruiser) as she paints the town

glamour and feel-good songs

the following question:

pink from Manchester to Torquay.

along the way, Elle proves that

This is your chance to catch the

being true to yourself never goes

In which American state is

show that has been wowing

out of style.

Harvard Law School?

audiences and critics alike in

We’re offering one lucky winner

London’s West End - and we’ll

and three friends the best seats

Please return your answer, not

help you do it in style!

in the house at a venue of their

forgetting your name, address

Based on the hit movie starring

choice, and we’ll also treat you

and telephone number to Alice

Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde

to a bit of VIP luxury with

Gimblett, The Ambassador Theatre

The Musical tells the hilarious

complimentary champagne,

Group Ltd., 39 - 41 Charing Cross

and heart-warming story of a

programmes and merchandise.

Road, London, WC2H 0AR before

Californian sorority girl who

To make it a truly unforgettable

Monday 12 December 2011.

follows her boyfriend to

night out, you’ll also receive an

Massachusetts and Harvard Law

exclusive signed poster by the

TERMS AND CONDITIONS One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu performances only) to see Legally Blonde The Musical at an ATG venue near you plus one goody bag, two house programmes, a signed poster and bottle of champagne. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and nonredeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.

14

Style Style

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Jae Alexander, Music Director for South Pacific recommends The Very Best Of Glenn Miller to get you in the 1940’s mood. £3 amazon.co.uk

1 Uniform dress from Client

4

London £220 clientlondon.com Silk scarf from Mango £9.90 mango.com

2 1940s tea dress from Peekaboo £210 peekaboovintage.com

3 Trenchcoat from Client London £189 Sweater £98 Skirt £98 Belt £34 from Anthropologie 15 1

anthropologie.com

5 6

12 11

Samantha Womack in South Pacific atgtickets.com

Stewardess dress from Client London £220 Necklace from Marie Laurie Chamorel £265 marielaurechamorel.com

7 Orange gloves from COS

Boots from Hobbs £279 hobbs.co.uk

9 Smith’s lipbalm from

Black and white Guildford loafer

10 Tales Of The South Pacific

from Hobbs £149 hobbs.co.uk

10

£45 cosstores.com

8 Marvis toothpaste from Anthropologie £6.50

Anthropologie £6

by James A Michener from Amazon £17.95

11 Glasses from Mango £22.90 12 NoNu bracelet from Olivier’s Lounge £95 020 7924 4321

14

13 Snakeskin kingsbow court shoes from Hobbs £179

14 Collection of Getty Images decades books 1900 - 1990 from Amazon £28.48

13

Client is the brand new label of utilitarian uniforms for work and play - everything is made in Britain. The Client collection nods to uniforms and office wear but interprets that feel with a knowing, modern twist. Think Military Chic... an English spy running down a Berlin Alleyway whilst listening to French Techno. clientlondon.com

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

Left image: US Armed Service recruitment poster 1942 courtesy of Getty Images

Feature by Mark Bouman

16

Going Out

Cities of Distinction

Images top l-r: Oxford Castle Oloroso lounge, Edinburgh Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh The Ashmolean, Oxford

From the treasures of antiquity to the latest boutique hotels - our pick of the season

Below: National Museum of Scotland Grand Gallery

Keep the winter blues at bay with

fashion label so expect brilliant

plush setting. ‘Magical, earthy,

furnishings and hampers in an

After the delicious curry dishes

works by young British artists.

a trio of cities guaranteed to

pops of colour and bold prints,

elemental,’ reports The Scotsman

array of houses while getting to

inspired by India’s many cuisines,

Not surprisingly, there is an

surprise and delight.

alongside five-star in-room touches

- just be sure to book early.

know the respective artists.

make a night of it by staying at

abundance of museums to choose

such as an espresso machine,

An especially atmospheric period,

the adjoining myhotel Brighton,

from in Oxford, yet The Ashmolean

Missoni bathrobe and free minibar.

the six-week run-up to Christmas

an 80-room retreat ‘where Freddie

deserves mention for its rich

From the cobbled streets of the

Perched on the Royal Mile, the

sees Edinburgh hosting a German

Mercury meets the Maharishi.’

collections devoted to art and

Old Town to the Georgian

central location is perfect as a base

market, big wheel and outdoor ice

grandeur of the new, Scotland’s

for days out.

rink. There’s also the legendary

Oxford Insider

capital is the place to be seen this

Not to be missed, the National

nightlife to enjoy. Specialising in a

Cultural getaways are ideally

winter. Since Edinburgh is best

Museum of Scotland has reopened

variety of entertainment since 1929,

suited to Oxford, an enchanting

year journey through the Nile Valley,

discovered over a long weekend,

its doors following a £47 million

the Edinburgh Playhouse will play

destination combining magnificent

open from the end of November.

why not boost your style

revamp to restore the landmark to

host to the incredible We Will Rock

architecture with fascinating

credentials by checking in to Hotel

its original Victorian glory. A new

You this Christmas. Book tickets for

heritage. Departing daily from the

Missoni? Design tops the agenda

entrance hall leads visitors up to

an evening show, then cap the night

Oxford Tourist Information Centre,

at this debut hotel from the Italian

the Grand Gallery atrium, which

off at Oloroso lounge where

provides a small taster of the 16

hipsters sip serious cocktails in

new galleries and 8,000 never-

panoramic rooftop surroundings.

Edinburgh Rocks

visitscotland.com/surprise hotelmissoni.com nms.ac.uk no12picardyplace.com oloroso.co.uk visitbrighton.com

seen-before objects to come.

brightonwheel.com

ashmolean.org oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

and New Theatre Oxford 17

see atgtickets.com

Tholstrup, who creates tailor-made

difference. Newly unveiled on

fragrances to designer clothes in a

tours for small groups wanting to

the seafront, the state-of-the-art

historic town quarter characterised

head off the beaten track. Her

Brighton Wheel promises to

by its maze of twisting alleyways.

bespoke themed walks have

The Ashmolean Atrium

and diversity of global

transport visitors up and away,

With its well-preserved Regency

included Leaders from Oxford,

As December approaches,

cultures.

providing beautiful views of the city

auditorium, the Grade ll-listed

children’s literature and historic

shoppers in search of seasonal

and neighbouring South Downs.

Theatre Royal Brighton is a local

alehouses.

treasures flock to the German-style

spot of lunch - a short

As a welcome alternative to high

institution renowned for an

Any outdoor stroll demands a

Christmas market at Oxford Castle

cab ride will whisk

street shopping, the Brighton &

enjoyable mix of theatre, comedy

good-quality meal to follow. Quod

where local choirs and brass bands

foodies to Mark

Hove Artists Open Houses Festival,

and dance. Pair a matinee or

Brasserie, with its outdoor terrace

add to the ambience. Other treats

running over selected

evening performance with lunch

and bar, presents unpretentious,

can include tickets to smash-hit

weekends in November and

or dinner at the award-winning

robust Mediterranean-influenced

musicals such as South Pacific at

December, invites you into the

Chilli Pickle, a restaurant that

cuisine matched with reasonably

the New Theatre Oxford, located

homes and studios of regional

captures the buzz of an Indian

priced wines. Children are

on George Street in the heart of

artisans. Browse paintings,

street market through pared-down

welcome in the contemporary

the city.

sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, home

interiors and exotic soundtrack.

dining room that is adorned with

Time for a

restaurant at No.12 Picardy Place. This modern

Edinburgh Playhouse, Theatre Royal Brighton

up Hidden Oxford guide Felicity

Greenaway’s signature

For details of Hotel Missoni

and dreaming spires, while

everything from bespoke

excitement of science

quod.co.uk

acquainted with the ancient streets

its vintage and boutique shopping

for seasonal activities with a

the wonders of nature,

hiddenoxford.co.uk

tour allows first timers to become

Brighton is, of course, famed for

returning guests may wish to look

installations highlighting

visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

the University and City walking

traders of The Lanes, who sell

collection comprises

myhotels.com

visitors on a chronological 5,000-

so support the independent

years, this world-class

thechillipickle.com

Best of Brighton

Ancient Egypt and Nubia, take

Voyage to the vibrant south coast

Spanning over five billion

aoh.org.uk

myhotel, Brighton

archaeology. Five new galleries of

dining experience serves up the finest, seasonal ingredients that Scotland has to offer in a

Feature by Neena Dhillon

18