ATG Magazine Spring 2014

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