Ambassador Theatre Group
Spring 2014
SOUND OF THE SEVENTIES Tonight’s the Night
LET THERE BE ROCK
Rock of Ages
backstage with the boys
The Jersey Boys phenomenon
robert lindsay Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
hotlist! Lord of the Flies Glorious Spring trends It’s out there city escapes
contents
spring
of the best
1 PROS AND CONS
Why Robert Lindsay & Rufus Hound
Rufus Hound Comedian, stage star and winner of the Strictly Christmas Special Rufus Hound gives us all his best moves as Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels this Spring at the Savoy Theatre.
Life Water
3
hot stuff
Night on tour.
5 IT’S A STEAL!
Win a Riviera-style night out at Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
6
West Side Story Get online and snap up the last few tickets for this best-selling tour, currently thrilling packed theatres all over the country.
are the best scoundrels in London
Rod still rocks! Catch Tonight’s the
atgtickets.com
Last year, theatregoers at ATG venues drank enough bottled water to fill 246 Olympic size swimming pools. Sales of Life Water in ATG venues have made a life-changing difference to two large communities in India who now have access to two fresh-water wells.
‘Go see this show and be stunned by genius’
CREATIVE DIRECTION
The show’s the thing for Sir Howard Panter
Telegraph
7
THE MEN - THE MUSIC
musical phenomenon that is
Oh what a night - the smash-hit Rock of Ages
Jersey Boys
9
let there be rock Lighters aloft! Turn up the volume!
It’s Rock of Ages
11 LORD OF THE DANCE Matthew Bourne - the choreographer behind Swan Lake & Lord of the Flies
13 atg tickets
Spring must-sees start here
15 PERFECT 10
instant attraction
Ten key trends and you’re sorted
Laboratory Perfumes - ‘Amber’ from Liberty £48. liberty.co.uk
Tour de France in Yorkshire Attention cycling enthusiasts! July brings Le Grand Depart of the Tour de France to Yorkshire - a fantastic excuse to visit the UK’s biggest county, home to the stylish cities of Leeds and York and the stunning countryside of the Dales. visitbritain.com
CLOSE TO NATURE
time away
Get out there for some breathtaking
Bailey’s STARDUST Actors, writers, musicians, filmmakers, models, artists - many of them famous, some anonymous, all unforgettable - are the subjects of this landmark exhibition of portraits by one of the world’s most distinctive & distinguished photographers, David Bailey. npg.org.uk
17 Jersey Boys
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Ambassador Group productions / Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 The Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622 Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630 Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631 Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687 Trafalgar Studios 0844 871 7632 Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7607 New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 871 7650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 871 7620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 871 7648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 871 7647 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 871 3021 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 871 7649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0844 871 7646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 0844 871 7643 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0844 871 7645 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Broadway Theatres Foxwoods Theatre Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Al Senter, Nancy Groves, Victoria Kingston, Lucy Johnston, Benedict Nightingale, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Laura O’Toole 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 Jay Brooks
Interview
I
t’s a cheerless winter’s afternoon in South London
are struck by the distinct parallels between an actor
and it’s hard to imagine the balmy breezes of the
who seeks truth through the telling of lies and the
Côte d’Azur, the setting for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,
conman perfecting a persona. Similarly there are
the dazzling new musical comedy bringing a little
certain affinities between Lindsay and Lawrence, the
Mediterranean warmth to these Kennington rehearsal
character he plays in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. In a
rooms. Your correspondent is invited to stay for the
way, they are both returning to their roots.
Act Two run-through - ‘more of a crawl-through’ jokes
‘It was my wife who told me that I should start
director Jerry Mitchell, a good-humoured, lanky figure
doing something I enjoy, something that would appeal
masterminding the production’s progress to the Savoy
to our sons. She said that I should have some fun and
Theatre in March. The show has attracted a strong
that’s the way I’ve approached it. I realise that Lawrence
comic cast: comedian Rufus Hound joins Olivier award
is the perfect part for an actor like me who’s done
nominee Katherine Kingsley and Downton Abbey’s
everything.’ Jerry compares him to a chameleon.
Samantha Bond and looks in very good shape for so
‘You never know quite who he is.’
early in the rehearsal period. In the midst of it all stands
It was at Lindsay’s suggestion that the Ambassador
Robert Lindsay, back in the musical theatre for the first
Theatre Group organised a workshop on Dirty Rotten
time since a stint as Fagin in Oliver! He sings, he dances,
Scoundrels in London late last year. It is part of a
he mines the comic seam in this feel-good story of
process of close collaboration with Jerry Mitchell,
two rival confidence tricksters at large on the Riviera.
the writers Jeffrey Lane (book) and David Yazbek
You are transfixed by Lindsay. Even in a minor key, there
(composer and lyricist) and producer Sir Howard Panter.
is nothing in his moves, his gestures, his expressions
‘I’d put David on a level with Sondheim,’ says Lindsay.
that is not of consuming interest to the observer.
‘The score has everything; swing, jazz, rap, ballads,
Robert Lindsay
You are transfixed by Lindsay. Even in a minor key, there is nothing in his moves, his gestures, his expressions that is not of consuming interest to the observer.
Pros
cons
&
Interview by Al Senter
Robert lindsay plays to win in the brand new musical comedy dirty rotten scoundrels
Photography by Jay Brooks 1
Lindsay is one of an exclusive group of actors who
even a tango. The lyrics are completely off the wall
move seamlessly from Broadway to the Bard, from
and they take you wholly by surprise. Having spent
soliloquies to serenades. Lindsay’s CV embraces
most of the past five years on film sets, it’s great to
Hamlet, Richard III and Archie Rice as well as Bill
be back in the musical theatre, having fun.’
Snibson in Me and My Girl, a great stage performance
For a man a month past his sixty-fourth birthday,
that delighted London and conquered New York. The
Lindsay seems in youthful good shape but the passing
last decade included the marathon of TV’s My Family
of the years appears to be concentrating his mind on
but there were also periodic appearances in the West
the future. ‘By the time I finish Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,
End - as Henry II in both Becket and The Lion in Winter
I’ll be approaching my sixty-fifth birthday. I recently
as well as a heartfelt Cyrano and a sinister Onassis.
ran into a director with whom I’ve worked a lot who
Yet for all these undoubted past achievements, there
told me that I could have been one of the great actors.
is a definite sense of occasion about Lindsay’s return
But I didn’t like the way I was behaving when I was
to the London stage for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. It
concentrating on my career. I’m much happier now
offers him a role that is tailormade for this charismatic
and I am much more fulfilled in my work. I don’t feel
performer whose likeable personality exactly matches
I have to impress anybody anymore.’
the demands of the character.
Lindsay recalls his behaviour during the lengthy
‘I’m the best scoundrel in London,’ says Lindsay
runs of Me and My Girl. ‘I was obsessed with it,’ he
immodestly but accurately. ‘I’ve played quite a few
reveals. ‘During every waking minute of the working
scoundrels in my time and I think that I’m destined
day, I’d be thinking about Me and My Girl, coming up
to play scoundrels. I’ve certainly met quite a few con
with new things, trying new ideas. Then Mike Ockrent,
men - they’re known as actors.’
the director of the show, caught up with it and gave
The demands of the plot of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
me a stern lecture. ‘Robert - he said - if you add any
involve Lindsay in a number of disguises including a
more business, you’ll disappear up your own arse.
Teutonic therapist and a Spanish grandee and you
Stop it. It’s brilliant!’ ■
dirty rotten scoundrels Starring Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley and Samantha Bond aylesbury waterside theatre 26 February - 1 March Box Office 0844 871 7607 savoy theatre From 10 March Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com Supported by
ATG Magazine / 2
Miss it at your peril
Interview
mail on sunday
Hot
stuff
ex Sugarbabe jade ewen recalls the legend that is rod stewart
O
disbanded for good, Ewen is sanguine about the
ne of the greatest myths of being a
pop star, says Jade Ewen, is that you get
experience. ‘To be honest, I think it was over from
to spend your life performing. It’s why
the moment I joined. That might sound cynical, but
the former Sugababe is so excited to be
there’d been so many line-up changes and it’s a big
starring in a new UK tour of the Rod Stewart - Ben
ask to expect the public to accept a fourth one.’
Elton musical Tonight’s the Night. ‘I wanted to get
Now, she has the visibility to get back to what she
back on stage,’ Ewen tells me from the rehearsal room
likes best, singing live. And in Tonight’s the Night,
in her native East London. ‘When you’re in a band, if
she gets some absolute belters to perform, including
you’re not recording, you’re on the road or in a hotel
the Rod Stewart hits The First Cut is the Deepest
room, and although singing is the most important
and What Am I Going to Do?
thing to you, you don’t get much time to do it live.’
She has yet to meet Rod himself (though they have
This from a girl who first appeared in a West End
brushed shoulders at an awards do) but Ben Elton is
theatre aged just 11, as Nala in The Lion King. ‘My
in rehearsals the day we speak. ‘He’s really sweet,’
mum saw an advert in the back of The Stage for
she says of the comedian whose magic touch has
open auditions,’ recalls Ewen, now 26. ‘It was always
made both We Will Rock You and Tonight’s the Night
my favourite Disney movie and I loved Nala. There
such big hits. ‘We did a big run through yesterday for
were queues around the block when we got there and I knew my chances were one in however many thousands. But I had 13 recalls and got the part. That was the moment
Rod’s team, so today Ben’s going to come in and give us some notes.’
Her character Dee Dee is a dream to play, says Ewen. ‘She’s really fiery and loud. And caught in a bit of a love
I realised I wanted
triangle. Or a love
to spend my life
square!’ Set
on stage.’ Ewen won a
between Detroit
place at the Sylvia
and LA, Tonight’s
Young Theatre
the Night is the
School where her
story of an
contemporaries
unassuming
included Tom
young car mechanic who
from McFly,
strikes a Faustian
Vanessa from the
pact with the devil to
Saturdays, and Rita Ora. ‘Vanessa and I used to walk to school together - people always thought we were sisters!’ says Ewen. ‘It’s really nice now to bump into these people you have history with. You get
Interview by Nancy Groves
Photography by Eric Richmond 3
trade his soul with Rod Stewart and win the girl of his dreams. Ewen went to meet the producers on a whim, hardly expecting to be cast there and then. ‘People have this stigma about anyone in
treated differently when you start to have a bit
the pop industry getting cast in a show. So I feel I
of a profile. But when I see that group, it’s all:
always have to prove myself. I tell myself: don’t expect
do you remember this or that day at school?’
to get the job; go in and earn it.’
Like her famous classmates, Ewen was destined
The show rehearsed right through Christmas and
Ben Elton
tonight’s the night The smash hit West End musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart & written by Ben Elton new alexandra theatre, birmingham 24 Feb - 1 March Box Office 0844 871 3011 aylesbury waterside 3- 8 March Box Office 0844 871 7607 Theatre Royal Brighton 10 - 15 March Box Office 0844 871 7650 new wimbledon theatre 17 - 22 March Box Office 0844 871 7646 regent theatre stoke-on-trent 24 - 29 March Box Office 0844 871 7649 sunderland empire 31 March - 5 April Box Office 0844 871 3022 churchill theatre bromley 14 - 19 April Box Office 0844 871 7620 milton keynes theatre 21 - 26 April Box Office 0844 871 7652 grand opera house york 28 April - 3 May Box Office 0844 871 3024 king’s theatre glasgow 2 - 14 June Box Office 0844 871 7648
for pop stardom, though not before a record deal
the New Year, though Ewen saw in 2014 itself at a
or two that went nowhere. Her break finally came
good friend’s house party, where she found herself
representing the UK at the 2009 Eurovision Song
the last one standing on Singstar, spinning round the
Contest where she finished a very respectable fifth,
living room belting out Pharrell Williams’ Christmas
singing the Andrew Lloyd Webber ballad It’s My Time.
number one, Happy. And is she? ‘Yeah,’ she says. ‘I’m
The song proved to be right. A few months later, Ewen
really excited about the year ahead. I don’t know
Top show. Top songs. Top bloke. Rod still rocks!
was scooped up to fill the vacant Sugababes spot
what’s coming my way but good things are about to
when the last remaining member of the girl band’s
happen. I want to do this tour, I want to record my
original line-up, Keisha Buchanan, packed her bags.
own album, to bring out the real Jade and show her
There followed hit singles, starry parties and snazzy
to the world. It’s all about positive energy: what you
new victoria theatre, woking 21 - 26 July Box Office 0844 871 7645
heart fm
video shoots. But four years on, with Sugababes now
put out there is what you get back.’ ■
Online booking at atgtickets.com
bristol hippodrome 23 June - 5 July Box Office 0844 871 3012 new theatre oxford 7 - 12 July Box Office 0844 871 3020
ATG Magazine / 4
competition
Supported by
Steal!
It’s a
news
Win a night out with friends at London’s Savoy Theatre with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
dirty rotten scoundrels Starring Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley and Samantha Bond aylesbury waterside theatre 26 February - 1 March Box Office 0844 871 7607 savoy theatre From 10 March Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com
P
repare to be swept off your feet and
We’re offering one lucky winner and three of their
transported to the decadent underworld
friends the best seats in the house on a date of their
of the French Riviera as the brand new,
choice, along with VIP luxury treatment in the form
multi-million pound musical Dirty Rotten
of complimentary champagne, ice creams and
Scoundrels takes the West End by storm this spring.
programmes.
This suave, sophisticated and delightfully mischievous
To get your hands on this incredible prize, simply
production is staged for the first time in London by
answer the following question:
DIRECTION
For Sir Howard Panter, it’s the show that really matters
phenomenal success on Broadway with Kinky Boots.
In what year was the film of Dirty
Based on the classic comedy film featuring Sir Michael
Rotten Scoundrels first released
T
CEO and Creative Director of the Ambassador Theatre
Panter has also been the catalyst for some of the
Caine and Steve Martin, this highly anticipated
in America?
Group as he attended an investiture ceremony hosted
most important production companies in the West End,
a 1972
by The Queen last November.
UK regions and Broadway, including Sonia Friedman
His wife and business partner Rosemary Squire
Productions, Jamie Lloyd Productions, First Family
multi award-winning musical director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, direct from his
adaptation stars three time Olivier and Tony Award Terms & conditions
winner Robert Lindsay (My Family, Me And My Girl,
One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu performances only) to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, plus one bottle of champagne, 4 house programmes & 4 ice creams. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable & non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.
Becket, Oliver!) and comedy legend Rufus Hound
b 1988
(National Theatre’s One Man, Two Guvnors) as two
c 1998
5
Creative
seasoned swindlers who attempt to hoodwink a
oday has been the most special of days,
As Creative Director, Panter has produced and
and marks the pinnacle of an incredible
co-produced some of the most exciting stars in the
year, both personally and professionally,’
theatrical world, from Damian Lewis to Simon Callow,
said Sir Howard Panter, co-founder, Joint
from Keira Knightley to Ewan McGregor.
OBE accompanied Sir Howard to the event at Windsor
Entertainment and Jerry Mitchell Productions.
Castle where he received a Knighthood for Services
Suave, sophisticated and delightfully mischevious,
to Theatre. ‘Working alongside my wonderful wife
the multi-million pound production of Dirty Rotten
millionaire heiress. Hilarity ensues as the pair pursue
Please return your answer, not forgetting your
Rosemary to build ATG into the success story it is today
Scoundrels starring Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound,
the con of their lives only to learn a lesson they won’t
name, address and telephone number/ email to
has been a labour of love and I am truly delighted that
Katherine Kingsley and Samantha Bond is the latest
forget! Joining them in the all-star line up are Olivier
Laura O’Toole, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.,
our hard work has been recognised with this honour’
example of ATG’s growing production output. It
Award nominee Katherine Kingsley (A Midsummer
39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR
he continued.
comes to theatres in Manchester and Aylesbury
Night’s Dream), screen icon Samantha Bond (Downton
before Friday 14 March 2014. ■
Under the couple’s leadership, ATG has become the
before opening at the Savoy Theatre in March 2014. ■
Abbey, James Bond) and stage star John
world’s number one live-theatre group and a prolific
Marquez (Privates on Parade).
theatre producer.
Robert Lindsay Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Keira Knightley The Misanthrope Ewan McGregor Guys and Dolls ATG Magazine / 6
Interview
‘We had no idea,’ Rick says. ‘We suspected that if it
Frankie Valli was the lead singer and the most
would work anywhere, it would be New York, because
famous. How difficult was it to keep the story balanced,
it’s so close to New Jersey, and most of the group’s
without too much emphasis on the guy with the
fans were in north-east America. So when we went
distinctive voice? ‘When we hit on the idea that each
on tour in the USA and Canada, we were thrilled that
of the Four Seasons would own a section of the story,
audiences related to these Jersey boys. There seems
we found it fitted rather neatly into four acts. So spring,
to be something very universal about their story, what
the forming of the group, is narrated by Tommy DeVito;
they went through and how they dealt with their
summer is the full bloom of success, riding the rocket
success. I think we’ve all been part of some kind of
of those hits, one after the other, bang, bang, bang -
group - a football team, a secretarial pool - anything
and that’s Bob Gaudio’s section. The fall is the
where more than two people are gathered for some
dissolution of the original quartet, narrated by Nick
time. It becomes a second family - and our second
Massey and lastly, winter is narrated by Frankie Valli -
families are as passionate and dysfunctional as our
it’s rather the winter of his discontent. Frankie is the
real families.’
only character who appears in all four seasons and he gets the last word. So his
Was opening in London
the men
The Music
an ordeal? ‘Our hearts were in our throats - we wondered if it would work over here. There was some explaining to do about their environment - and the best connection was to say these people are like the characters in The Sopranos, who also come from New
The odds were against their achieving anything at all & the odds were in favour of them becoming two-bit thugs - certainly not recording artists who found a sound & an identity that connected with the public
version of events carries the most weight with the audience, which is right because he is the front man, the first among equals.’ Ultimately, which carries the most weight with audiences - the wonderful music or the
Sheer musical razzmatazz! An utterly infectious hit parade, an unstoppable tidal wave of warm musical memories sunday express
jersey boys The worldwide smash-hit musical. Winner of 54 major awards world wide including the 2009 Olivier award for Best New Musical! PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Until 9 March atgtickets.com piccadilly theatre From 14 March Box Office 0844 871 7630 palace theatre manchester 4 September - 4 October Box Office 0844 871 3019 edinburgh playhouse 8 - 25 October Box Office 0844 871 3014
funny, moving & jam-packed with hits, it’s jersey boys
Jersey, who are trying to
ince it opened on Broadway in 2006, and
A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes off You,
mob and raise a family and feel they belong. These
music brings people in and it’s very gritty and authentic.
in London early in 2008, Jersey Boys has
Fallen Angel, and Sherry.
guys had a hard life - they did jail time for breaking and
What keeps people coming back is this new and untold
become a worldwide mega hit. Winner of a
It’s a privilege to interview New York writer Rick
entering, they feared for their safety every day. The
story, a context in which to understand the music. The
staggering 55 major awards, including the
Elice, who co-wrote the show with Marshall Brickman,
odds were against their achieving anything at all and
basis of all musicals, dramas and novels is a compelling
and who has worked with giants such as Bob Fosse,
the odds were in favour of them becoming two-bit
story with characters you care about. Thousands of
been seen by over 18 million people. The musical tells
Stephen Sondheim, Trevor Nunn and Tom Stoppard.
thugs - certainly not recording artists who found a
years ago, people sat around a camp fire listening to
the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four
He saw his first Broadway show at age three and
sound and an identity that connected with the public.
stories, leaning forward and asking, what happened
Seasons, four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of
dreamed of working in the theatre from that day.
I found this very moving and potent. Frankie had a
next? Well, this is a ripping yarn - and if Jersey Boys
Interview by Victoria Kingston
the tracks, who went on to become rock’n’roll legends
Now he is enjoying the success of Jersey Boys, which
unique, male falsetto sound, and with Bob Gaudio who
follows that old tradition, I am very pleased. Meanwhile,
selling 100 million records across the world. The show
transfers to London’s Piccadilly Theatre in March.
wrote songs tailored for that voice, they produced a
the great music is the best red carpet into the theatre
NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 9 December - 3 January 2015 Box Office 0844 871 3011
by Brinkhoff & Mogenburg
is absolutely heaving with their hits, including Walk Like
Did they always know the show would be such a hit?
whole that was greater than the sum of both parts.’
that you could have.’ ■
Online booking at atgtickets.com
★★★★★ ★★★★ Express
Sunday Telegraph Sunday Express | Times mail | time out
Photography of 2013/14 cast
7
S
Olivier, the Tony and a clutch of Grammy awards, it has
fascinating story? ‘Well, it’s both,’ admits Rick. ‘The
navigate a shark-infested
regent theatre stoke-on-trent 28 October - 8 November Box Office 0844 871 7649 sunderland empire 25 November - 6 December Box Office 0844 871 3022
ATG Magazine / 8
backstage
Between the six-inch heels & the lace leggings, the leopard print & the body-con black, the room is more than delivering on Rock of Ages’ distinctive 80s glam rock style
A sexy smasher that will have you laughing & rocking in equal measure Daily Star Still rocking after 5 years on Broadway and following 3 years of ovation inducing performances in London’s West End, the legendary Rock of Ages now heads out on a UK Tour. palace theatre manchester 5 - 10 May Box Office 0844 871 3018 new alexandra theatre, birmingham 12 - 17 May Box Office 0844 871 3011 edinburgh playhouse 19 - 24 May Box Office 0844 871 3014
let there BE
princess theatre torquay 2 - 7 June Box Office 0844 871 3023 churchill theatre bromley 16 - 21 June Box Office 0844 871 7620 aylesbury waterside theatre 30 June - 5 July Box Office 0844 871 7607
I ★★★★★ ★★★★ Heat | Daily Express
Sunday Times | Daily Star Sunday Express | Metro Independent
t’s mid morning in Covent Garden and Pineapple
it’s very much about the girls.
‘They need to have a seriously good singing voice too
‘My mind has to work a bit like a Rolodex at times
Dance Studios is full of the gentle buzz of
‘The girls we cast in this show have the whole
- the songs are the heart of the show, of course - and
like this,’ she smiles. ‘I have to be absolutely sure we are
anticipation. As I make my way up the main stairs
package. They are the hottest dancers you’ll see in
it’s a story with characters, so they need to be
seeing the very best people, to get the best result for
a flurry of good-looking girls and guys are spilling
any musical and their style sets the tone for the whole
accomplished actors too. But, on top of all that, we’re
the show. We might love what we’ve seen of someone,
out of changing rooms, down hallways and into
show,’ explains Associate Director/Choreographer
looking for that extra little something - an attitude and
but sometimes when it comes to the final casting we
rehearsal rooms, all sequin-spangled hotpants and
Leigh Constantine, during a break from leading the
style that says they just get it. That we can trust them
simply can’t fit them to the combination of roles we
super-toned lycra.
room through a rather complex dance sequence.
to really make the show.’
would need them to cover. Sending such talented
And through the windows of the rehearsal rooms
‘But it’s not about the girls being there to titillate,’ she
At fourteen people, plus five swings (who cover
people away is hard, I hate that part of the process, but
I glimpse groups of dancers hard at work, being put
stresses. ‘The guys in the cast may have their jaws on
every role in the show), every cast member has
I’ll remember them for the future. And it does mean that
through their perfectly synchronised paces in tap
the floor, but it’s because the girls are smart, and know
responsibility not just for their immediate role but for
when we do crack the casting, we know absolutely that
shoes, ballet flats and - in the studio I’m heading for -
exactly where they’re at. They’re goddesses and their
understudying two or three other key parts too. This
we have put a truly incredible group of people together.’
killer heels. For today is the first day of the girls’ dance
dancing is fierce!’ she laughs.
makes the casting process a highly skilful jigsaw puzzle
More than anything, as the rave reviews confirm,
auditions for the new UK touring production of Rock
Between the six-inch heels and the lace leggings,
to crack. ‘It’s one of the most complex shows that I
the show is big fun. For the cast as much as the
of Ages, the smash hit musical built around a riot of
the leopard print and the body-con black, the room
work on,’ shares Jill Green, the casting director, holding
audience. ‘Oh definitely,’ says Amy Thornton, original
the best-loved, classic rock anthems of the 1980s.
is more than delivering on Rock of Ages’ distinctive 80s
her Rock of Ages casting ‘bible’ to her chest as we
cast member of the West End production. ‘Some days
This means big songs from Don’t Stop Believin’ to The
‘glam rock’ style, and I’m finding it hard to distinguish
head for the café during another break. This weighty
when I was doing the show my body hated me - it is
bristol hippodrome 7 - 12 July Box Office 0844 871 3012 regent theatre, stoke-on-trent 14 - 19 July Box Office 0844 871 7649 empire theatre liverpool 21 - 26 July Box Office 0844 871 3017 sunderland empire 28 July- 2 August Box Office 0844 871 3022 king’s THEATRE GLASGOW 4 - 9 August Box Office 0844 871 7648 milton keynes theatre 18 - 23 August Box Office 0844 871 7652
Final Countdown, big style and ‘fierce’ dancing from
who might be more likely to be cast than the next.
lever-arch file holds countless spreadsheets, charts
really full-on - but it was also the best fun I’ve ever
Interview by Lucy Johnston
the female cast. Although the guys have definite star
None of them would look out of place on the arm of
and lists, covered in additional hand-scribbled symbols
had in a show! When you see the audience standing
Photograph of the Rock of Ages
quality, and rip up the stage with their guitar numbers,
a rock god, and every one of them can seriously move.
and notes - the visual representation of the complex
up in their seats, dancing along to those amazing
company at the Shaftesbury
the show is renowned for its female contingent’s
‘Exceptional dancing is not enough though, that’s
and meticulous process she is immersed in, to decide
songs, it’s the best feeling. The girls chosen for this
new victoria theatre, woking 25 - 30 August Box Office 0844 871 7645
Theatre, 2011
prowess in the hotness stakes. And, today at least,
the tough thing about this process,’ continues Leigh.
the final cast.
tour are going to have the most brilliant time.’ ■
Online booking at atgtickets.com
9
ATG Magazine / 10
L
Interview
ast year the great choreographer Matthew
novice dancers made lasting friendships and still have
Bourne visited the east London comprehensive
regular reunions. And now there’s an afterlife for Lord
where years ago he spent a frightened,
of the Flies itself.
unfulfilling youth learning little except not
There’ll be new young casts all over the country.
to look aggressive girls directly in the eye: ‘When I left
With local boys aged 11 and upwards selected in
I remember walking out of the gates thinking it’s the
advance by Bourne’s ambassadors, and all of them
happiest day of my life. There was no arts provision
getting three weeks rehearsal in each town before
at all. None of the things I was into happened there.
the eight professionals join them, the production
I hated it so much and now I was free.’
is touring Britain this spring and autumn.
But Sir George Monoux school has become a
The piece closely follows Golding’s novel, but with
sixth-form college and, as Bourne discovered, is a
one big difference. The setting isn’t an island but a
totally different place. ‘I walked back down the same
deserted theatre in which the boys have been trapped
pathway to this big old building and got into the foyer
while sounds of riot come from outside. Odd? Maybe,
where the headmaster’s office used to be, the scariest
but not distracting. The audience should rapidly
part of the whole place. And they’re playing Swan
become absorbed in the emotional essentials of a
Lake over the tannoy to welcome me. And there was
dark narrative. And when Bourne talks of emotion
a dance department, an arts department, a music
and narrative he means it.
department. It was very moving, thrilling really.’
Those are the elements that have marked his original
It also adds meaning to the production of Lord
company, Adventures in Motion Pictures, and now New Adventures,
shaped and
the more intimate
directed by the
and manageable
department offers a
54-year-old
company that
Bourne himself, is
emerged from
range of events linked
now touring the
it in 2002. As a
to the programme at our
regions. William
director-
theatres from bespoke
Golding’s novel is
choreographer
activities such as Youth
about near-
akin to America’s
anarchy, conflict
Bob Fosse or
Theatres & dance classes
and death among
Michael Bennett,
boys marooned in
Bourne regards
training. Contact your
wartime on a
story, character,
local theatre for
desert island not
atmosphere as his
more details
wholly unlike
primary concerns.
Bourne’s alma
They dictate
mater. And it is
dance that is
being staged with
always integral,
casts that include
never merely
boys from
decorative. And
schools as tough
this explains his
as George
companies’
Monoux once
stunning
MATTHEW BOURNE’S
was - and
successes.
doubtless giving
Most famously
SWAN LAKE
many of them
there have been
fresh hope.
reinventions of
In 2010 the Scottish Arts
Lord of the Flies at ATG’s Theatre Royal Glasgow
Bourne set in a garage in backwoods America, and the
Creative Learning Department at ATG’s Glasgow
all-male Swan Lake which, like Lord of the Flies, is now
Theatre Royal that would involve both professional
on tour. And he has personally choreographed major
dancers and young people from disadvantaged areas.
West End productions, notably the Mary Poppins that
What could be more relevant, he thought, than an
won him an Olivier Award in 2005.
adaptation of a novel showing what might happen
Accessibility, anti-elitism, clearly remain watchwords.
- gangs and bullying and all - when kids were left to
Again and again Bourne has introduced people wary
their own devices? ‘And it needed to be a subject
of dance to the medium. Indeed, a large proportion
that young people without technical training could
of New Adventures’s audiences are first-timers brought
get involved with, giving it a rough-edged feel.’
along by friends. ‘My job,’ he says, ‘is to look for clarity
Many of the 15 boys chosen to join eight adult
and pace and rhythm. It’s to sit people down, bring
dancers had shown no previous interest in theatre
up the curtain, tell them a story and ensure they get it.
or dance and, says Bourne, several came from schools
‘The audience may not necessarily be the first
‘where education meant keeping them quiet and
thing on my mind but very quickly it is. I must love
always integral, never merely decorative. And this explains his
shutting them up’. But the result was even more
a project myself-but then I must give that love to
transformative than he hoped. There was a week’s
other people.’ ■
companies’ stunning successes’ writes Benedict Nightingale.
performance at the Theatre Royal in 2011. The
Dance
atmosphere as his primary concerns. They dictate dance that is
Hugo Glendinning
& Richard Campbell 11
Man, the version
Bourne offering to finance a project involving the
‘Choreographer Matthew Bourne regards story, character, Photography by
classics, like Car of Carmen
Council came to
lord of the
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
of the Flies that,
ATG’S Creative Learning
to work placements &
An original interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake new victoria theatre, woking 18 - 22 March Box Office 0844 871 7645 new wimbledon theatre 29 April - 3 May Box Office 0844 871 7646 bristol hippodrome 20 - 24 May Box Office 0844 871 3012
lord of the flies A New Adventures and RE:Bourne production based on the classic novel by William Golding THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW 11 - 14 June Box Office 0844 871 7647 EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL 10 - 13 September Box Office 0844 871 3017 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 12
atg tickets ww
A SPARKLING SEASON OF LIVE THEATRE ACROSS THE UK THIS SPRING
Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615
Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
Wicked
dirty ROTTEN
There has never been a better time to experience ‘the hit musical with brains, heart and courage’ (Sunday Telegraph) as it flies into its seventh spellbinding year.
lion king Liverpool Disney’s triumphant tour roars into Liverpool for the first time. Don’t miss it!
SCOUNDRELS Olivier Award-winning actor Robert Lindsay stars alongside Rufus Hound, Olivier Award nominee Katherine Kingsley & Downton Abbey’s Samantha Bond in this brand new musical comedy.
Jersey Boys Hits including December 1963 and Big Girls Don’t Cry feature in the rags to rock’n’roll story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Tonight’s the Night - the Rod Stewart Musical
Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630
the book of mormon
jersey boys
The hilarious 5-star Broadway musical from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Wyndham’s Theatre 0844 871 7615
Ben Elton’s smash-hit West End musical comedy inspired by the songs of one of the best-selling recording artists of all time with classics from Maggie May to Sailing.
The Prince of Wales Theatre 0844 871 7615
The Weir
Worldwide smash-hit musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
The Donmar Warehouse’s acclaimed production of Conor McPherson’s Olivier Award-winning play transfers to the West End. 2013/14 Cast
See How They Run The much-loved farce - but with a difference! Starring Warwick Davis and The Reduced Height Theatre Company, this is a comedy s m a ll of huge proportions.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers On tour across the UK, this sensational brand new version of the classic American frontier dance musical will put a spring in your step.
Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623
Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Disney’s
jeeves & wooster
The Lion King
The iconic double act live in the West End! With Stephen Mangan and Matthew Macfadyen.
Noel Coward Theatre 0844 871 7615
shakespeare in love A unique theatre event that revels in the sheer joy of love itself.
Trafalgar Studio 2 0844 871 7632
the act A ground-breaking cabaret-style production starring Matthew Baldwin.
Book your tickets online 13
With a cast of over 40 actors, singers and dancers. ‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard
Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629
Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626
once a new musical
the woman in black
Based on the Oscar-winning film, an extraordinary joyous celebration of love, friendship and music.
One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail
at atgtickets.com Your One Stop Shop *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
ATG Magazine / 14
style
1 23 45 6 7 89
THE PERFECT 10 ten wardrobe essentials to start the year
1. de bourgh scarf From Louisa Parris louisaparris.com £145 2. darcy scarf From Louisa Parris louisaparris.com £185 cotton & cashmere sweater From Uniqlo
uniqlo.com/uk £19.90
3. camel coloured hat From Topshop topshop.com £25 4. tod’s sunglasses From Eyewearbrands
eyewearbrands.com £255
5. orange dress From COS cosstores.com £69 6. always skinny- galloway jeans
From Gap gap.co.uk £24.99
7. phillip lim chiffon & crepe satin blouse
From Selfridges selfridges.com £360
COATED CRYSTAL NECKLACE From J. Crew jcrew.com £128 8. powder blue coat From Zara zara.com £129
(teamed with the De Bourgh scarf above)
9. BLACK LEATHER CLUTCH BAG From COS £115 10. kiki contrast leather ballet pumps From J. Crew £168
Feature by Mark Bouman
All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers
15
ATG Magazine / 16
going out Just beyond the city you’ll find breathtaking areas of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered Our selection of activity-based destinations are sure to put a spring in your step this season, whether you explore them by taking a leisurely walk or trying an exhilarating water sport.
Nature
close to
edinburgh
Daisy Nook Country Park Oldham Trentham Gardens Stoke-On-Trent
woking
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the
pursuit and one of the park’s three tranquil angling
a little more sedate may want to sign up for sailing,
England’s most elegant 18th-century landscape garden
legendary River Tay. Scotland’s longest river, within
spots, called Crime Lake, is even the subject of a
canoeing or simply hiring a pedalo. Offering a
captivates with historic planting, a heritage collection
easy driving distance of Edinburgh, is the perfect
LS Lowry painting.
complete contrast, the woodland and open spaces
of North American trees and shrubs and some of the
of North Willen Lake serve as a peaceful setting in
most mystical follies to be found anywhere. Welcome
stoke-on-trent
which to encounter a wide variety of wildfowl. Watch
to Surrey’s Painshill, a 158-acre wonderland originally
swallows and sand martins as they perform their
created by the Honourable Charles Hamilton between
Typical trips on the river begin at a lazy pace, winding
Described by Alan Titchmarsh as ‘one of the UK’s
acrobatics across the lake’s shimmering surface. This
1738 and 1773 and, more recently, given the royal seal
their way along the Tay valley through rolling hills and
must-see gardens’, Staffordshire’s Trentham bursts
is also the site of the first Peace Pagoda to be built
of approval by patron Prince Charles. To really absorb
stunning scenery. There is plenty of time to put newly
into life in spring. The show gardens comprise a
in the western world by the monks and nuns of the
the magic, book into one of the monthly Historic Tours
Monkey Forest - home to 140 endangered Barbary
Nipponzan Myohoji. Alongside the pagoda is a
during which you can learn all about the destination’s
macaques - and the UK’s first Barefoot Walk, a
distinctive Buddhist Temple, open to the public, and
fully restored crystal Grotto, resplendent with dazzling
rapids to keep your group on their toes. All ages
therapeutic one-kilometre amble that involves getting
1,000 cherry trees commemorating victims of war.
stalactites, as well as the iconic Ruined Abbey, Turkish
and levels are catered for although the faint-
naked from the knees down in order to traverse an
hearted may wish to remain on dry land.
array of woodland textures. An absolute highlight of
place to get the adrenaline pumping. Professional companies such as Splash offer guided rafting
adventures for family and adult groups year round.
acquired rafting skills into practice before the river drops away, creating a series of fun and challenging
Tent and Gothic Tower. Painshill also runs themed
bromley
wildlife walks through the spring and creative
manchester
Garden, planted with 80,000 perennials selected from
Much of the 200 acres of High Elms Country Park,
landscape photography, ideal for capturing the
over 400 different varieties. Garden admission includes
located a short drive from Bromley on the ridge of
wonderful parkland views. ■
Only 20 minutes from the heart of Manchester’s
access to the floral labyrinth and fairy trail, both of
the North Downs, constitute a site of Special Scientific
metropolis, Daisy Nook Country Park is a breath of
which are guaranteed to enchant younger visitors.
Interest. This is because the chalky soil supports
Memorable days out in the country should be
species-rich grassland where rare orchids grow.
followed by equally memorable nights out in the
milton keynes
Drop into the Bromley Environmental Education
city. Discover the delights of theatre at one of
Centre to pick up a leaflet outlining the nature trails
ATG’s landmark venues in Edinburgh, Manchester,
of bird species and small mammals by following
South Willen Lake is the busiest park in the Milton
that can be enjoyed here. In addition to orchids,
Stoke-on-Trent, Milton Keynes, Bromley & Woking.
the walking trails or navigating the bridleways on
Keynes region, attracting more than one million
there are magnificent beech trees, delicate cowslips
Highlights this season include West Side Story
horseback. Children can choose from two themed
people each year who participate in water sports,
and ancient woodland plants characterising this
at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Rock of Ages at the
play areas featuring wetland, log balances, scrambling
golf, high ropes and cycling. Adrenaline junkies can
distinctive countryside.
Palace Theatre Manchester & Seven Brides for
boulders and a cradle swing to keep them occupied.
give wakeboarding, waterskiing or kitesurfing a go at
Seven Brothers at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.
During the spring months, fishing is another popular
the WakeMK Centre while those looking for something
For full details of what’s on visit atgtickets.com
any day here, however, has to be the formal Italian
fresh air. Set in the Medlock valley, these 40 hectares of green landscape are home to waterways, woodland and wildflower meadows. Observe an abundance
17
Painshill’s Grotto Surrey Trentham Gardens Stoke-On-Trent
workshops offering an insight into skills such as rafting.co.uk visitoldham.com trentham.co.uk theparkstrust.com wakemk.com bromley.gov.uk painshill.co.uk atgtickets.com Feature by Neena Dhillon ATG Magazine / 18