ATG Magazine Winter 2012

Winter 2012

Ambassador Theatre Group

WILL yOUNG A SHOWMAN AT HEART

DOGGY DIVA

BACKSTAGE WITH PUDSEY

hotlist lovin’ dolly’s 9 to 5 shaken not stirred cocktail style live the dream with our xmas treats

ROBERT bATHURST

DOWNTON’S PERFECT GENTLEMAN

priscilla

presley Panto goes glam

contents

1 divine decadence

Will Young makes an eye-popping

EmCee in Cabaret

3 what a way to make a living Wish fulfilment for women:

Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5

5

LANDMARK THEATRE

The compelling and witty Blue/Orange

7

The aaaah factor

Ashleigh and Pudsey

In the dressing room with

9 To 5 The Musical

9 making theatre magic Customers get the red carpet treatment

10 viva forever! competition Win tickets to the Spice

Girls-inspired musical

11 atg tickets A simple way to find that

hot ticket this Autumn

13 star gazing

The Royal Court thrills audiences

at the Duke of York’s

15

mix it up

luxurious theatre bars makes the

perfect accessory

A cocktail from one of ATG’s The Royal Court’s Constellations

Piano bar Piccadilly Theatre

17 gift it

Consider Christmas sorted - with Ambassador Group productions / Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 The Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630 Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631 Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687 Trafalgar Studios 0844 871 7632 Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7607 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 871 7650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 871 7620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 871 7648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 871 7647 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 871 7651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 871 7649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0844 871 7646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 0844 871 7643 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0844 871 7645 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jasper Rees, Nancy Groves, Victoria Kingston, Al Senter, Benedict Nightingale, Mark Bouman Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Alice Gimblett Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Print The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Cover photograph by Christopher Ameruoso

our hand-picked gift experiences

I

Interview

DECADENCE

Divine

1

t’s been ten years since Pop Idol, when Will Young

thought he would be.’

crooned his way to triumph in the inaugural

Time spent in the company of the mercurial

autumn vote-off. Pop careers being what they

showman who supplies a window into a society in

are, it is a measure of Young’s genuine talent that

turmoil seems only to have confirmed Young’s original

a decade on he is a long way from the talent contest

hunch. ‘The EmCee’s a perfect character for me to do

winner’s dreaded Where Are They Now file. The winner

in my first musical because he is so out there. He goes

of two Brit awards, with 6 chart-topping albums under

from dark to light to sad to angry and he can turn at

his belt and singles including Leave Right Now and

any stage. It allows me to express lots of emotions

Evergreen, his most recent album Echoes entered

in a different way to how I express them in my own

I HAVE ACTUALLY ALWAYS WANTED TO PLAY THE EMCEE. I have had

numerous musical offers over the years and was holding out and this came along.

the charts at number one in August 2011.

songs. I’m not being myself.’

Continuing success in one branch of the business

In the film Mrs Henderson Presents (2005) Young

has not dissuaded Young from tacking across into

played a stagehand who wanders about the Windmill

musical theatre to take on the role of the

Theatre mooning over the girls posing naked for the Tommies off to war.

Emcee alongside actress Michelle

‘I remember Stephen Frears

Ryan in the West End revival of

saying to me, ‘Just make

Cabaret. ‘It’s just another

it more normal,’ and I

medium to perform in.

didn’t get that. ‘I

It’s what I always

don’t know what he

wanted to be doing

means, I need to

from ten years

be acting in it.’

ago when I won Pop Idol.’

It wasn’t till I

Young was

did Bedlam

first approached

(Sky One’s

about Cabaret

supernatural

three years ago

series from

by director

2011) that I

Rufus Norris and

finally got it.’

producer Bill

‘I’ve definitely grown in

Kenwright, who

confidence. I’m a

were seeking to

completely different

revive their multi

person to the person I

award-winning 2006

was then. There is no way

production. ‘They didn’t

I could have played this role

know but I have actually always

as a person or as an actor even

wanted to play the Emcee. I have had numerous musical offers over the

Cabaret Winner of

8 Oscars 7 Baftas 13 Tonys

two years ago.’ He puts that partly down

years and was holding out and this came along.’

to the voice coaching he has been having recently,

It took a while to get the relevant ducks in a row,

but also in Cabaret to the freedom from responsibility

but Young is now in front of an audience in suspenders

that comes with being part of someone else’s well-oiled

and bowler hat, singing the wonderfully sleazy

machine rather than being the whole kit and caboodle.

show-stopping tunes of Kander and Ebb - Willkommen,

He is relishing it.

The Money Song and Two Ladies. ‘Every song in the

‘In pop I do feel more restricted. I’m more of a

show I love. That is a pull in itself. There isn’t a number

brand in pop and I have to be mindful. I’m a singer and

where I think, we’ll just get through this one.’

I’m also a businessman and what happened was the

Cabaret, which opened on Broadway in 1966, is

two collided and I didn’t enjoy it. Now I understand

of course even better known for the Oscar-winning

that, I get it. The brilliant thing about doing Cabaret

1972 film starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. Young

is I haven’t written the songs, I’m not paying for

has never seen Norris’s or any other stage production.

the production, I’m not employing everyone.

‘I’m thankful for that. I deliberately didn’t watch the

It’s brilliant.’ ■

film again. And I really held back on even listening to the songs until about couple of weeks before rehearsals. I didn’t want to fix in my head what I

Interview Jasper Rees

Photography by Jim Marks and Keith Pattison

savoy Theatre

cabaret Presented by Bill Kenwright Directed by Rufus Norris Choreography by Javier de Frutos Starring Will Young Michelle Ryan Until 19 January 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 2

feature

To have that amount of talent,

to have written those songs. Dolly grew up in a one room cabin and now runs her own theme park. If that’s not a feminist, I don’t know what is.

Leave your daily grind behind!

After her recent stint in the West End run of Abigail’s

Casey. ‘We’ll know we’ve really succeeded when you

Party, Casey must have gone through quite a gear

can be funny and smart and talented and beautiful.’

change from Mike Leigh malaise to Dollywood glee.

Like Dolly. ‘Yeah, like Dolly.’

Yes and no, she says. ‘I’m a very big fan of late 70s,

As someone who started in showbusiness at a

early 80s comedies that involve women, both of which

young age (her song Chick Chick Chicken charted

these are.’ What she didn’t bank on was Parton doing

when she was just three), Casey has never really done

the casting. ‘I noticed they were filming my audition,

the 9 to 5 grind. But bad bosses she does know ‘One

which seemed odd. But when I got the part, it was a

particular person who I will not name, someone who

nice feeling of ‘Dolly thinks you can do it, so you’d

had spent a lot of time in this business!’ she says. ‘It’s

better be good!’

always people who want to be the puppet master

For those unfamilar with this hilarious story of

but don’t necessarily have the talent themselves.’

friendship, gossip and revenge, let Casey fill you in: ‘It’s

What is her coping strategy? ‘Smoking,’ she jokes.

about three very different women (originally played by

‘No. The best approach with men who behave like

Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin) from three very

children is to say, ‘Ah, ahem, yes’ and then do what

different walks of life who work for a boss who’s

you want.’ As opposed to a little kickass - Casey’s love

terribly mean and lazy. Eventually they’ve had enough

of martial arts is well documented. ‘I always admire

and decide they are going to kill him and run the office

skills that I don’t possess myself,’ she says matter-of-

themselves instead.’

factly. ‘Those high kicks that Jackie Chan can do - that

Hardline feminism masquerading as broad musical

to me is amazing. But if I was trying it, I’d be slipping

comedy? ‘They should put that on the poster!’ cackles

my disc. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Hamster more like.’

The Lancashire born 32-year-old is proud of her CV, which ranges from West End drama to BBC3 sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

Nor would she object to dipping into the classical repertoire like her Two Pints co-star Sheridan Smith, but is unlikely to catch her in Hedda Gabler. ‘I don’t think I’m going to get the time what with rehearsals. But she’s definitely going to rock along to see me in 9 To 5 - Sheridan’s a massive Dolly fan!’

Casey herself is more than a little nervous

Natalie Casey Jackie Clune Amy Lennox and Ben Richards

What a way to make a

Dolly Parton

Feature by Nancy Groves

Photography by Paul Rider 3

walks into the room, it will be one of the only times someone has to hold my hand because I’m going to lose it. I

living T

about meeting Parton. ‘I tell you, when she

here are very few pop songs, really only

The Musical sidesteps into town.

two or three, that can move an entire

Launched as part of the Manchester Gets It First

gender onto the dance floor. Dolly Parton’s

initiative, Natalie Casey knew she wanted in

9 to 5 is surely one of them. No feelgood

immediately. ‘I heard they were doing it on Broadway,’

might cry! The amount of people who I’ve told about working on 9 To 5 I’ve never had a response like it.

People just love her, even my Primus-listening rocker friends.’

Rumour has it that the 66 year-old country superstar even bakes fudge for her cast. ‘How is it possible that she’s a nice person too?’ marvels Casey. ‘To have that

amount of talent, to have written those songs. Here’s a woman who grew up in a one room cabin and now runs her own theme park. If that’s not a feminist, I don’t

Bonnie Langford

9 to 5 the musical Written by Patrick Resnick Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton Starring Ben Richards Jackie Clune Natalie Casey Amy Lennox Bonnie Langford Featuring Dolly live from her desk in Dollywood Opera House Manchester 12 - 20 October Box Office 0844 871 3018 New Wimbledon Theatre 22 - 27 October Box Office 0844 871 7646 Sunderland Empire 29 October - 3 November Box Office 0844 871 3022 New Victoria Theatre Woking 5 - 10 November Box Office 0844 871 7645 King’s Theatre Glasgow 12 - 17 November Box Office 0844 871 7648 Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 19 - 24 November Box Office 0844 871 7649 Edinburgh Playhouse 26 November - 1 December Box Office 0844 871 3014 New Theatre Oxford 3 - 8 December Box Office 0844 871 3020 Theatre Royal Brighton 10 - 15 December Box Office 0844 871 7650

disco set would be without the Grammy award-winning

says the former Hollyoaks actress, ‘and I remember

workplace anthem, guilty pleasure or not. And if half a

saying to my husband, ‘If this ever comes to London, I

wedding party (or a whole hen do) can be nudged into

have to do this show.’ I rang my agent every day asking:

action by those opening piano bars, just imagine the

‘Have you heard anything? Have they done call-outs.

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 17 December - 5 January Box Office 0844 871 3011

crowds that will form when the UK tour of 9 To 5:

’ I really was stalking it.’

Online booking at atgtickets.com

know what is.’ ■

ATG Magazine / 4

Interview

Landmark THEATRE

the compelling and witty blue/orange

Winner

best

new play Critics’ Circle

Evening Standard

Olivier Awards

R

at best by the others. He rather tagged along until he

goals for fear that he may never achieve them. And,

was accepted by the gang.’

interestingly, he has strong opinions about the role

One of Bathurst’s recent successes was his

of the actor in the theatrical process, a contribution

performance as the actor John le Mesurier in a

which, he argues, is sometimes exaggerated.

television biography of the comedy actress, Hattie

‘You often hear actors either claiming to have

Jacques. It was, he stresses, a very special assignment

created a part in a play, say, by Tom Stoppard or being

for him. ‘I was playing a character whom everybody

credited with it. I say to myself, no, you didn’t create

thought they knew. But that was one of the central

a Tom Stoppard character, he did.’ says Bathurst. ‘Your

themes of the film - that what we think we know about

job as an actor is to serve the ideas of the writer. But

actors isn’t necessarily the truth - Hattie’s personal life

a play is not simply a collection of words and the

being a case in point. I think that there are additional

colour you add to these words as an actor makes the

responsibilities when you play a real life person whose

difference between reading the play at home and

children and grandchildren are still alive. You have to

seeing it in performance. If all the audience sees are

remember that what you’re doing is a fictionalised

the words, then it’s a waste of everybody’s time.’ ■

obert Bathurst looks like a chap who’d be

Noises Off, then into its lengthy run at the Savoy.

good in a crisis. A gel, overcome by a fit of

Next Bathurst crossed the Thames to join the

version of real people’s lives and is not

the vapours, could do worse than bury her

National Theatre company, where he found himself

necessarily the truth.’

tear-stained face in Bathurst’s manly chest

working with a National Theatre institution in the actor

Bathurst is coy about naming his particular career

with nothing more intimate than a pat on the back to

Michael Bryant. ‘He bawled me out one day for poor

comfort her. As he points out, Bathurst has played his

posture and bad diction and he told me what was what

share of bastards in his time but whenever he’s called

in no uncertain terms. I think I was seen in those days

upon to give us a good guy, he projects the basic

as a bit of university dilettante and it took me several

decency of the traditional English gent, witness his

years to establish myself.’

current cameo in Downton Abbey, as a faithful

Following near misses in both Blackadder and

admirer of Lady Edith.

Red Dwarf, Bathurst struck gold with Joking Apart,

a gel, overcome by a fit of the vapours, could do worse than bury her tear-stained face in bathurst’s manly chest with nothing more intimate than a pat on the back to comfort her

Robert Bathurst in Downton Abbey Image courtesy of ITV

Interview by Al Senter

Photography by Robert Workman

★★★★★ SIMPLY BRILLIANT what’s on stage

★★★★ ABSORBING, PROVOCATIVE AND STIMULATING SUNDAY EXPRESS

★★★★

It’s for the audience to decide whether or not

an early television credit for Dr Who scribe,

Robert Smith, the character which Bathurst plays in

Steven Moffatt. From there he made his

CHILLINGLY BELIEVABLE

Christopher Luscombe’s electrifying production of

way to Cold Feet, ITV’s addictive yuppie

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Blue/Orange, wears a white or a black hat. First seen at

saga in which he played Mr. Corporate,

the National Theatre in 2000, Joe Penhall’s dazzling

something of a target for the other

★★★★

three-hander pits Bathurst as a senior consultant

characters to aim at. ‘Cold Feet rather

at a psychiatric hospital against his junior colleague

happened by stealth,’ he reveals. ‘It

Robert BATHURST IS SUPERB

Bruce (Gerard McCarthy) over the treatment given

won the Golden Rose at Montreux,

Daily Telegraph

to Christopher (Oliver Wilson), a young black man

took hold of the public and received

claiming to be the son of Idi Amin, the Ugandan

very good ratings. Ever after, whenever

dictator of the 1970s and 80s.

ITV couldn’t decide whether or not

Bathurst read Law at Pembroke College, Cambridge

to order another series, they looked

but perhaps his academic work was only a fig-leaf

at the ratings and re-commissioned.

behind which he could pursue his aspirations to

My character, David, was tolerated

become an actor. In an era when the Footlights company contained such future topliners as Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie, Bathurst climbed the greasy pole of Footlights politics to become President and since such a post has seldom been a barrier to advancement into show business, you would have thought that stardom beckoned. Bathurst, however, was unsure about the direction he should take. There was a brief flirtation with That’s Life ‘my agent wanted me to go down the TV presenter route’ and a realisation that he couldn’t be a Footlighter forever. ‘I didn’t want to be still doing university revue in middle age.’

He eventually landed a role in Michael Frayn’s

Written by Joe Penhall Directed by Christopher Luscombe A Theatre Royal Brighton Production Starring Robert Bathurst New Victoria Theatre Woking 16 -20 October Box Office 0844 871 7645 New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 23 - 27 October Box Office 0844 871 3011 the churchill theatre bromley 30 October -3 November Box Office 0844 871 7620 Theatre royal Glasgow 6 - 10 November Box Office 0844 871 7647 Richmond theatre 13 - 17 November Box Office 0844 871 7651 opera house manchester 20 - 24 November Box Office 0844 871 3018 Online booking at atgtickets.com

5

ATG Magazine / 6

profile

Aaaah

the

FACTOR

Ashleigh and pudsey are a panto dream ticket

T

his year, the panto at New Victoria Theatre

Will Pudsey suffer from stage fright? With no

Woking has something unexpected to add

hesitation, she shakes her head. ‘No, because he’s

to Dick Whittington. Playing the romantic

such a show-off. The bigger the crowd, the more he

performs. And it’s a pretty big audience at Woking -

lead Alice Fitzwarren, is lovely Ashleigh

Butler, accompanied by her devoted pooch, Pudsey.

1,300.’ A bit daunting for Ashleigh herself? ‘Well,it

After winning Britain’s Got Talent, with a staggering

will be a bit scary, but I’m going with the flow. Lots

39% of the votes, and capturing the hearts of an

of wonderful things have happened recently, but my

audience of nearly 15 million, this dynamic duo

family and friends keep me grounded, stop me from

haven’t had a moment to put their paws up and relax.

getting a big head. To be honest, the attention we

Anyone who has trained dogs knows it’s a

get is all about Pudsey, so if anyone’s going to

painstaking task. So how long does it take Pudsey to

get big-headed, it’s him.’

learn a routine - say The Flintstones? ‘After I’ve chosen

So can we expect diva behaviour from him?

the music and taught him all the tricks - the actual

Demanding luxuries in his dressing room, signing paw

routine takes about four to five weeks. For the panto,

print autographs? ‘I don’t think so,’ she laughs. ‘He’s

I shall teach him some tricks and then work them into

pretty normal, though he has had some lovely food

short routines.’ It’s obvious she trains with a lot of

lately. He’s an agility champion, so he’s used to being

love. ‘Oh yes, it’s all reward-based. I can tell when he’s

in the limelight. Whatever he does, he puts a

having an off day and I don’t make him do tricks then.

hundred and ten per cent into it. He loves

I can read him like a book. And he can read me the

performing and he has a lot of confidence

same. At the panto, he will know it’s a big

on stage - he loves the applause. He’s a

performance, and he’ll pick up on my nerves and he’ll

once in a lifetime dog.’

know he has to be a good boy and do his best.’

In Dick Whittington, Ashleigh will be playing the

A very competent and sought-after trainer, Ashleigh

romantic interest. What will happen, I ask her, when

has been winning awards in dog trials with Pudsey,

she falls in love for real? Will the young man of her

since she was given him as a puppy at age 11. Since

dreams have to be a dog lover? ‘Oh yes,’ she says

winning Britain’s Got Talent, there have been photo

firmly. ‘Dogs are my life. He will have to understand

shoots, TV appearances, some high-profile

that Pudsey means everything to me. I want to fall

performances: at the Epsom Derby, the Queen’s

in love one day, but Pudsey will always come first.’ ■

Diamond Jubilee - and a series of dazzling

Interview by Victoria Kingston

appearances in the USA. How did she get there? Oh, Simon Cowell’s private jet.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

New Wimbledon Theatre

regent theatre stoke-on-trent

peter pan

snow white

Starring Russell Grant 8 - 30 Dec 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7607

Starring Priscilla Presley & Warwick Davis 7 Dec 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7646

Starring Jonathan Wilkes 13 Dec 2012- 4 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7649

Milton Keynes Theatre

New Victoria Theatre Woking

richmond theatre

cinderella

Dick Whittington

aladdin

Starring Louie Spence 7 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7652

Starring Ashleigh and Pudsey 7 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7645

Starring Suzanne Shaw 7 Dec 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7651

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

liverpool empire Theatre

cinderella

cinderella

Starring Karen Dunbar 30 Nov 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7648

Starring Coleen Nolan 14 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3017

bristol hippodrome

opera house manchester

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

aladdin

peter pan

Cast to be announced 7 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3012

Starring David Hasselhoff 8 Dec 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3018

cinderella

‘Simon loves dogs and he has a special place in his heart for Pudsey. It was quite surreal going on his jet. When I think about it now, I think - wow, did I really do that!

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!’

The panto will be equally exciting, but I point out, it’s a bit risky, isn’t it? Dick Whittington’s cat? ‘I think it’s not a real cat,’ Ashleigh laughs. ‘But I’m not a hundred per cent sure about that. If it is a real cat, then we’ll have a lot of problems!’

Stop Press! Dallas and Naked Gun superstar Priscilla Presley prepares to enchant audiences in Snow White at the New Wimbledon Theatre

‘I have heard such wonderful things about British pantomime, the script is hilarious, my costume is sensational & I can’t wait to get started & give the people of London my Wicked Queen! What a wonderful honour to be spending Christmas in such a beautiful city & being part of this family tradition.’

7

ATG Magazine / 8

news

competition

The Moonlight Bar Harold Pinter Theatre

t t

The Boards Edinburgh Playhouse Piano Bar New Wimbledon Theatre

Magic

maKING THEATRE

Turn to page 15 to sample some of the cocktails available in ATG’s luxury bars – and for style tips to go with them!

Ambassador Group plough millions into capital projects

E

Photography of The Moonlight Bar and Piano Bar by Ben Fisher benfisherphotography.com Photograph of The Boards

by Rob McDougall

Melanie Brown Melanie Chisholm Jennifer Saunders Geri Halliwell Judy Craymer Emma Bunton Victoria Beckham at the launch of Viva Forever!

T

his is your chance to catch the show that

Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous, French &

has been the talk of the West End since

Saunders), and Judy Craymer, producer of the world

its flamboyant launch back in June -

wide smash-hit musical Mamma Mia!, Viva Forever!

and we’ll help you do it in style! Spice

is a wonderfully joyous contemporary musical about

up your life with an exhilarating and irresistibly funny

the value of friendship in the face of fame and fortune.

tale of love, loyalty and romance. An original story

As band member Viva follows her dreams to

for our times, inspired by the songs of the Spice

stardom, Viva Forever! charts her amazing journey

Girls, Viva Forever! hits all the high notes

into the world of overnight celebrity. From London to

for a fabulous feel-good night out.

Spain and back again, as the world judges you, it’s all

From the award-winning writer and comedienne

about who you really are and who you want to be, whatever the cost.

piccadilly Theatre

We’re offering one lucky winner and three friends

viva forever!

the best seats in the house this December, and we’ll also treat you to a bit of VIP luxury with complimentary champagne, programmes and merchandise to make it a truly unforgettable night out.

nhancing the theatrical experience for our

interior designer George Couyas to showcase

To get your hands on this amazing prize, simply

customers is about ensuring that every visit

ATG’s unique theatre architecture - with an elegant,

answer this question:

is a special occasion’ said ATG’s Managing

modern twist.

Director of Venues, Nick Potter this week,

Improvements in the West End include ergonomically

Book by Jennifer Saunders Produced by Judy Craymer 27 November 2012 - 1 June 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at atgtickets.com

announcing a thrilling investment of £15 million

designed seating at the Fortune Theatre, auditorium

into capital projects at the company’s theatres.

refurbishments at the Harold Pinter Theatre, technical

Which of these was the Spice Girls’ debut single?

The red carpet treatment includes a major overhaul

upgrades at the Duke of York’s and restoration works

a Wannabe

of Front of House areas across the group. A number

at the Phoenix and Piccadilly - all aimed at preserving

b 2 become 1

Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre

of refurbished luxury bars - Piano Bars at the Piccadilly,

these beautiful, historic buildings for future generations.

c Mama

plus one bottle of champagne, show

New Wimbledon and Milton Keynes Theatres, the

Regionally, the ‘special occasion’ continues at a new

Moonlight Bar at the Harold Pinter, the Apollo Victoria’s

tea room at Theatre Royal Brighton, a new Box Office

Please return your answer, not forgetting your

Elixir Bar, the Terrace Bar at the Duke of York’s, The

at the Bristol Hippodrome and a transformation of

name, address and telephone number/ email to

Ballroom at the Lyceum Theatre, The Boards at the

the Front of House and Box Office areas at the

Alice Gimblett, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.,

Edinburgh Playhouse and The Picture Lounge at the

New Theatre in Oxford. ■

39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR

Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision

before Friday 26 October 2012. ■

is final.

Glasgow King’s Theatre have been redesigned by

Terms & conditions One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu perfs only) to see

merchandise and two house programmes. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and non-redeemable for a cash value.

Not open to employees of Ambassador

9 ATG Magazine / 10

atg tickets

The unforgettable excitement of live theatre - get into it this Autumn using atgtickets.com as your guide

Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615

Wicked

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

savoy theatre Simply divine decadence at the Savoy Theatre this Autumn in the person of singer/songwriter Will Young who stars in the multi award-winning production of Cabaret.

JUMPY

CONSTELLATIONS

Starring Tamsin Greig & Bel Powley ‘Funny, deliciously rude and at times piercingly moving’ Daily Telegraph

Starring Sally Hawkins & Rafe Spall ‘The town’s new hot ticket’ New York Times

Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Disney’s

playhouse theatre Simon Callow returns to the West End stage in Peter Ackroyd’s acclaimed play The Mystery of Charles Dickens - 49 of Dickens’ best loved characters brought to life by one man in an exhilarating performance echoing the recitals that Dickens himself once gave.

Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

The Lion King

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

‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard

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

Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629

Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630

goodnight mister tom

viva forever!

A brand new stage adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s wonderfully uplifting tale.

A fabulous, feel-good story of our times, inspired by the songs of the Spice Girls.

Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7632

Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

Trafalgar Studio 1 0844 871 7632

chorus of disapproval

Internationally renowned singer /songwriter Will Young and acclaimed actress Michelle Ryan make their musical theatre debuts.

YES, PRIME MINISTER

Rob Brydon stars alongside Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Alan Ayckbourn’s riotous comedy.

Donmar at Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632

Donmar at Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632

Donmar at Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632

the promise

the dance of death

the silence of the sea

Aleksei Arbuzov’s play, in this new version by Penelope Skinner, is a portrayal of youthful hope.

Strindberg’s compelling battle of wills is laced with biting humour in a new version by Conor McPherson.

Anthony Weigh casts new light on Vercors’ testament to the power of the human spirit.

Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631

SPAMALOT

King Arthur and his Knights of the (very) Round Table have travelled up and down the length and breadth of the land in their quest for the Holy Grail and now continue their triumphant ride around London’s West End ‘Glorious irresistible silliness’ The Sunday Times

piccadilly theatre The Spice Girls legend lives on in Viva Forever! a feel-good new musical from the award-winning writer and comedienne Jennifer Saunders - an exhilarating and irresistibly funny tale of love, loyalty and romance.

cabaret

‘The jokes come thick and fast... the writing has a relentless energy’ The Evening Standard

harold pinter theatre Shining a spotlight on backstage intrigues this Autumn is Rob Brydon who makes his West End debut alongside Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval - directed by Trevor Nunn.

new WIMBLEDON theatre

Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624

The Old Vic 0844 871 7628

Priscilla Presley brings some va va voom to Wimbledon this Christmas in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

BERENICE

KISS ME KATE

Racine’s perfect tragedy of unfulfilled passion in a new version

by Alan Hollinghurst.

Award-winning director Trevor Nunn returns to The Old Vic to direct this dazzling, Tony awardwinning Broadway classic.

Book your tickets online 11

at atgtickets.com Your One Stop Shop *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith

ATG Magazine / 12

Gazing

Interview

STAR

The town’s new hot ticket

The Royal Court’s magical Constellations is out of this world

F

a pitch-perfect production Daily telegraph

Sally Hawkins & Rafe Spall

t Bel Powley & Tamsin Greig

Prometheus) and Sally Hawkins (Jane Eyre, Happy-Go-

cosmologist who may be suffering from a dangerous

him a New York showing starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

going to the theatre only two or three times before he was 18, Nick Payne is certainly making up for lost time. Now 28, he’s

Lucky). ‘If I see a more ingenious, touching and

disease. And it’s hard to say what finally happens to

There’s always humour in Payne’s plays, certainly

intellectually searching play this year,’ wrote The

them, as the whims of the universe demonstrate that

in Wanderlust, which is about our tendency to divorce

Telegraph’s Charles Spencer after its January opening,

there are many possibilities and multiple permutations

sex from love, and even in Lay Down Your Cross,

‘I’ll count myself very lucky.’

to the relationship.

a play about bereavement he wrote after seeing

‘I love reading and writing about things I don’t know

The son of a surveyor and a primary school teacher,

the Iraq docudrama Black Watch. Certainly there’s

had four plays rapturously received by the critics,

anything about,’ says Payne. And his love of quirkiness

Nick Payne grew up in rural Hertfordshire, yet only

humour in Constellations, strange and troubling

prime among them Constellations, which follows Laura

brought Constellations two very different subjects:

discovered the theatre while reading English at York

though it is, and doubtless there will be in the new

Wade’s Posh and April De Angelis’s Jumpy into

bees, after he’d read that whole hives were inexplicably

University, where students were encouraged to stage

play he’s writing for the Court after receiving the

London’s Duke of York’s Theatre as part of a season of

dying, and quantum physics, which led him to talk to

their own plays. He did so, was ‘hooked’, and ended

newly instituted Harold Pinter Prize: ‘It’s about

transfers from the Royal Court. The play turned out to

cosmologists about their mind-bending theories about

up writing If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet, which

a missing person investigation, but it might

be one of the biggest hits in its history and the West

the universe. But he rooted his discoveries in a very

won him the prestigious George Devine award when

change, so I can’t say anything more.’ ■

End incarnation will star Rafe Spall (Pete Versus Life,

human story about a beekeeper’s love for a

it appeared at the Bush in 2009 - and has now brought

Interview by Benedict Nightingale

13

or a film buff who remembers

new york times

DUKE OF YORK’S Theatre

jumpy

by April De Angelis Directed by Nina Raine Starring Tamsin Greig and Bel Powley Until 3 November 2012

CONSTELLATIONS

by Nick Payne Directed by Michael Longhurst Starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall 27 November 2012 - 1 June 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7623 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 14

style

Mix it up

A cocktail from one of ATG’s luxurious theatre bars makes the perfect accessory

1 Silk satin dress From Preen Line net-a-porter.com £610 black VELOUR clutch From Zara £49.99 FLAT VELOUR PUMP WITH SILVER BOW From Zara £25.99 2 draped sequinned dress From Michael Kors

net-a-porter.com £195

LEOPARD SEQUINnED POUCH BAG From Louison Paris at Liberty £48 patent court shoe From K&S. ksshoes.de £165

RASPBERRY & ORANGE PUNCH* Fresh raspberry puree, fresh cranberry juice, fresh orange juice & passion fruit syrup *non-alcoholic

3 satin & brocade dress From Victoria Beckham

net-a-porter.com £710

EMBROIDEREd CLUTCH From Accessorize £38 suede court shoes From Mui Mui muimui.com £420

necklace From Oliviers Lounge

olivierslounge.co.uk £69

luxury theatre bars open pre-show for cocktails! london

gin garden Gin, fresh lime juice & sugar, fresh mint, elderflower, apple & soda water

Elixir Bar Apollo Victoria Moonlight Bar Harold Pinter Theatre Terrace Bar Duke of York’s Theatre The Ballroom Lyceum Theatre Piano Bar Piccadilly Theatre

regions

Piano Bar Bristol Hippodrome The Boards Edinburgh Playhouse The Picture Lounge Kings Theatre Glasgow Piano Bar Milton Keynes Theatre Piano Bar New Wimbledon Theatre All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers

15

Feature by Mark Bouman Thanks to Tom Soden, the mixologist at our cocktail shoot

R & r spritz Martini Rossato, raspberry liqueur, Prosecco ATG Magazine / 16

going out Spoil loved ones and friends with a gift experience they’ll never forget in one of our lively city destinations.

From birthdays and anniversaries through to Christmas and Valentine’s, our carefully edited selection of activity-based ideas is sure to delight your nearest and dearest this season.

Go Ape Birmingham

IT

Malmaison Birmingham

Loch Lomond Shooting School Glasgow Tapas and Wine Bristol King’s Theatre Glasgow

The stunning countryside surrounding Bristol makes

professional chef shows participants how to conjure

include everything from champagne on arrival to a

to share the buzz of recording a track.

this location an ideal base from which to send

up seven tasty tapas dishes, with quality regional wines

fabulous new cut and colour to the presentation of

Sometimes you simply can’t beat the appeal of

someone special on the trip of a lifetime. So why not

matched to each small plate. Alternatively they can

two Nicky Clarke styling products to take home. A truly

the great outdoors in the crisp winter months.

invest in a voucher for a trial flying lesson at the Bristol

plump for crafting delicious artisan breads from scratch

memorable makeover for those who love their locks.

That’s why a private session of clay pigeon shooting

& Wessex Aeroplane Club? After a 10-minute briefing

in the Baking Mad session, run on selected Sundays

Journey just outside Birmingham to an area of

could be just the ticket for those who like the thrill of

in which they’ll learn about the controls of a nifty light

through the winter.

outstanding natural beauty at Cannock Chase,

hands-on sport. Easily accessible from Glasgow, the

Staffordshire, for a family outing with an exciting twist.

Loch Lomond Shooting School has trained tutors ready

living it up in Brum

Here you can hop aboard a self-balancing electric

and waiting to personally coach voucher recipients

segway to explore the lush forest trails of Go Ape on

through a 60-minute lesson in gorgeous Scottish

A multi-award-winning hotel group, Malmaison is

two wheels, following some quick instruction from the

landscape, with all equipment provided. The school

renowned for its combination of innovatively designed

experts. Anyone can join in the fun provided they are

can also accommodate small groups who want

properties, hip restaurants, slinky accommodation

aged over 10 - and Go Ape gift vouchers are a great

to celebrate together including birthday parties.

bristolandwessex.co.uk

and urban spas. Set in a gloriously converted former

way of bringing the adventure one step closer to

Royal Mail building, the Birmingham Mal houses 189

those who like heading off the beaten track.

the gift 0f entertainment

bordeaux-quay.co.uk

glaswegian treats

Nothing can beat the flexibility and universal appeal

bristol inspires

aircraft, trainee pilots take to the skies with a qualified instructor for 50 minutes of flying heaven. Family and friends are welcome to come along and capture the moment on camera, with time afterwards to relax and relive the experience in the club’s café and bar.

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly

on the ground, Bordeaux Quay Cookery School offers an impressive

guest rooms, a top-notch brasserie, cocktail bar and

choice of popular

Le Petit Spa all under one iconic roof, situated in the

adult courses all

fashionable Mailbox retail complex. With values starting

available to the lucky

at £25, Mal gift vouchers can be used in any of the

Know someone who loves to sing, be it the latest

present. Gift vouchers can be used at ATG’s theatres

recipients of handy

boutique hotel’s facilities, meaning you can treat a

chart hits, golden oldies or musical numbers? Then

in London’s West End and across the country including

gift vouchers. Foodies

loved one to the option of sleeping, dining, drinking

make their day by giving them a MusicStars gift

all the cities in this feature. Or treat them to an ATG

are bound to be

or pampering themselves in style.

voucher, transforming them into legendary recording

Theatre Card - the gift that lasts all year - and your

bowled over by the

A humble haircut may not seem the most obvious

artists for the day. Under expert direction, they’ll

lucky recipients will enjoy priority tickets and great

fun-packed Tapas and

choice when it comes to splashing out on a present.

have an opportunity to record their favourite song

savings on an exciting array of shows for 12 months,

Wine session, run once

Yet at Nicky Clarke salons, including the busy site in

in a professional studio followed by a photo session

including critically acclaimed plays, West End

a month on Saturdays,

Birmingham’s Mailbox, specially formulated gift

for their very own CD cover. Different packages at

musicals and family pantos. ■

during which a

experiences take hairstyling to a new level. Packages

MusicStars in Glasgow allow for duets and groups

malmaison.com of theatre vouchers when you’re stuck for the perfect

nickyclarke.com goape.co.uk music-stars.co.uk lomondshooting.co.uk For details of ATG gift vouchers and the ATG Theatre Card visit atgtickets.com Feature by Neena Dhillon ATG Magazine / 18