ATG Magazine - Winter 2015

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

Winter 2015

OH -THE JOY

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

GAMBLERS & GANGSTERS

GUYS & DOLLS RICHARD O’BRIEN’S

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

WARNINGNAUGHTY BITS!

JOHN SIMM KEITH ALLEN GARY KEMP GEMMA CHAN THE HOMECOMING

PANTO SPECTACULAR Meet Torvill & Dean

WINTER

OF THE BEST PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT - THE MUSICAL ON TOUR The biggest party on the planet rolls into Edinburgh just in time for Christmas. Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical (starring Jason Donovan) boasts hits from Go West to Boogie Wonderland. Get up on the dancefloor and go glitzy! atgtickets.com

THE HOMECOMING An impressive cast including Keith Allen, Gemma Chan, Ron Cook, Gary Kemp, John Macmillan and John Simm in a dynamic production of Harold Pinter’s finest play - a crackling hotbed of visceral tension directed by Jamie Lloyd at Trafalgar Studios. 50th Anniversary Production. atgtickets.com

MACK AND MABEL See Michael Ball, the UK’s greatest musical theatre star in a major new production of the classic Broadway masterpiece visiting Manchester and Edinburgh this Autumn.

‘SHEER MOVIE AND MUSICAL MAGIC’ Times atgtickets.com

WADDESDON MANOR CHRISTMAS FAIR Local artisan producers and independent traders in majestic festive surroundings - a decidedly chic way to start your Christmas shopping.

18 November - 6 December. waddesdon.org.uk

WORLD CLASS While summer brought ATG its first theatre in Australia, the Theatre Royal Sydney - Autumn sees the industry leader expand further into the US with the acquisition of ACE Theatrical Group. This brings 5 more US theatres into the ATG family including this beauty - The King’s Theatre, Brooklyn. For the full story see pg 3.

SHOE JEWEL Nicholas Kirkwood pearl court shoe £655 selfridges.com

CONTENTS

1

MUSICAL MAGIC

Joyous, universal, funny - it’s Bend it Like Beckham

3

TICKET TO THE WORLD

Sydney to Brooklyn

5

MATINEE IDOL

New additions to the ATG family from

We meet History Boys and Guys and Dolls star Jamie Parker

7

THERE WILL BE BLOOD

A family drama like no other - Oresteia

8 COMPETITION

Win an ‘insanely glitzy’ night out Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show

at Priscilla Queen of the Desert

The Musical

9

WINTER WONDERLAND

for Torvill & Dean this Christmas

11

ATG TICKETS

Spangles and fairy dust (but no ice)

Our red-hot tips for Autumn

13 TRANSYLVANIAN TITILLATION Richard O’Brien on the mash-up that

became the world’s favourite rock ’n’

roll musical

15

ORIENTAL INSPIRATION

Ancient East is where it’s at this season

17

STARRY NIGHTS

Bristol to Edinburgh

From kimono to cheongsam - the

Guys and Dolls

John Simm The Homecoming

What to watch and where to go from

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 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3019 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 The Lyric Theatre 212-556-4750 ASIA-PACIFIC THEATRES Theatre Royal, Sydney +61 2 9224 8444 ACE THEATRICAL GROUP King’s Theatre, Brooklyn (718) 856-2220 Majestic & Empire Theatres, San Antonio (210)-226-5700 Saenger & Mahalia Jackson Theatres, New Orleans (504)-525-1052 BB GROUP Mannheim, Germany +49 621 10792-0 Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jo Caird, Al Senter, Benedict Nightingale, Natalie Anglesey, Lucy Johnston, Olivier Lievre, Victoria Kingston, Rachel Knowles, Nicole Logan Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Ltd 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 Trevor Leighton

BACKSTAGE

MUSICAL

Magic

FUNNY, UPLIFTING, UNIVERSAL BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM IS HARD TO BEAT

A

‘

ll we’re really doing is taking the story and

When director Gurinder Chadha first approached

doing it in a completely new way,’ says

Goodall about adapting her 2002 feelgood movie

Howard Goodall, composer of Bend It

about Jess’ attempts to follow in the footsteps of her

Like Beckham: The Musical. Fans of the

hero David Beckham, they agreed that the music had

smash-hit film will enjoy the show, he hopes, but more

to be ‘a completely original thing’. The composer knew

important is that the theatre production ‘stands on its

barely anything about Punjabi music at that point, but

own two feet’. Judging from the ecstatic response of

threw himself into it, setting out ‘to create a musical

Interview by Jo Caird

both critics and audiences since Bend It Like Beckham

language for the piece that belongs just to this story

opened at the Phoenix Theatre in May, it does just that,

and these people on that stage for those two and a

and Kevin McDaid

and then some.

half hours.’

Photography by Ellie Kurttz

1

Howard Goodall

Jamie Campbell Bower

‘ONE OF THE SUNNIEST, FUNNIEST MUSICALS IN MANY A YEAR’ DAILY EXPRESS

In some ways, Goodall’s creative process was no

It’s this universality - trying to find your path while

different to that of any other musical (and the

navigating other people’s expectations - that has made

composer has written plenty, from 1984’s The Hired

Bend It Like Beckham a hit with such a diverse range

Man to the more recent Love Story). ‘You judge, what

of audiences in the West End. ‘It’s much more like a

does the character need? What does the moment

British high street than most theatres are,’ says Goodall,

need? What does the drama need? And you do all that

who is delighted to be able to share his work on such

and you create all that structure,’ he explains.

a scale.

But along with making sure that audiences were

‘I’ve had to write a form of music that I never would

fully invested in Jess and her friends and family as

have anticipated having written. I’ve had to write for

characters, Goodall had to try to ‘recreate musically

an audience that’s quite new for me. I mean obviously

from scratch’ the excitement of bhangra, without

in the TV world I’ve done it as a writer for a very broad

simply doing a pastiche.

audience (on documentaries

‘That was obviously going to

including The Story of Music),

be a big challenge but a really

but in stage terms this is quite

fun one. I don’t think I’ve

new territory,’ he explains.

enjoyed anything as much as

doing this show in my whole career.’

With the help of orchestrator

MAIL ON SUNDAY | SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SUNDAY EXPRESS | DAILY TELEGRAPH DAILY MAIL | INDEPENDENT

Goodall was thrilled

to immerse himself in an unfamiliar culture and style of music when creating the show, and if he’s done his job well,

Kuljit Bhamra (‘the godfather of bhangra’, according to Goodall), the composer

he says, audiences will experience a similar sensation.

dreamt up a score featuring both what we think of as

‘When people come out of Mamma Mia! they’re

traditional musical theatre instruments - piano, electric

smiling from one ear to the other because they know

bass, guitar, violin, cello - and Indian percussion and

that music really well, it triggers all the buttons. We’d

voices.

love it if people came out of Bend It Like Beckham

‘It’s a mixture of them improvising and me saying,

with the same sense of joy and fun.’

‘OK, now I’ve got the hang of this, can you try a bit of

Joy and fun isn’t the only thing the composer wants

this? And that’s why the whole process has been joyful

audiences to take home with them. ‘I would like them

because normally you don’t get that. It’s very rare to

to come out thinking that cultural mix is positive,’ says

have that amount of creative input from everybody.’

Goodall. ‘This piece is the result of the fact that there

The musical’s plot has made for a more satisfying

are immigrant communities living next door to people

than usual creative journey too. ‘Our story, which is

who’ve been here much longer. And that the resulting

about someone whose parents have difficulty with

thing can be joyous.’ ■

what she’s chosen to do, it’s the story of many people in our cast,’ the composer reveals. ‘So often those discussions in rehearsal have been very interesting, and rather emotional.’

‘UTTERLY UPLIFTING’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

‘IRRESISTIBLE. AN END TO END JOY. WONDERFULLY LIFE AFFIRMING’ DAILY MAIL PHOENIX THEATRE

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM Until 20 February 2016 Directed by Gurinder Chadha with choreography and musical staging

by Aletta Collins. Written by Paul Mayeda Berges and Gurinder Chadha.

Score by Howard Goodall, lyrics by Charles Hart and orchestrations by Howard Goodall and Kuljit Bhamra Box Office 0844 871 7629* Online booking at atgtickets.com *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply.

ATG Magazine / 2

INTERVIEW

Rosemary Squire OBE and Sir Howard Panter

Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, New York

Ticket World TO THE

FOR AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP, GLOBAL IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO

F

Photography by Peter Rae 3

or Rosemary Squire OBE and her husband

stage - theatre can change lives and audiences deserve

and business partner Sir Howard Panter, an

the best theatre wherever in the world they may be.

evangelical belief in theatre is second nature.

This was only the prologue to a summer of

Put them in any situation and they’ll persuade

unprecedented activity in the international arena which

you that the most revolutionary, life-affirming and

saw Panter and Squire at the forefront of exporting

inspirational thing you can do right now - is see a show.

British theatre to the world by heading up a round of

Last time we met they encouraged me to see the

international acquisitions.

Almeida’s Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios; ‘it’s a once in

ATG became the first British theatre organisation

a lifetime opportunity, you must see it’ they urged.

to plant a flag on Broadway in 2013 with its acquisition

They were right.

of the Lyric (formerly Foxwoods) - Broadway’s biggest

This summer, Squire’s views were in the spotlight

theatre. ATG’s multi-million dollar refurbishment

when as UK Entrepreneur of the Year 2014, she

transformed the venue’s public areas but also shook

represented Britain at the EY World Entrepreneur

up the New York theatre landscape with unparalleled

of the Year Awards in Monaco - a stellar gathering of

customer service. Lucky theatregoers in the US can

exceptional business people from across the globe.

see Cirque du Soleil’s first ever Broadway production,

Squire was the first woman ever to win the prestigious

Paramour there in 2016.

UK award and one of only six women world finalists

A foothold on Broadway led to further acquisitions

- reaching the final shortlist of ten. It was the perfect

in the US as ATG took its successful business model

opportunity to get her message out there on the world

out of the cities and into the regions breathing new

Sir Howard Panter in Sydney

Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, Louisiana

The Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, Texas The Theatre Royal, Sydney

life into some of the most important historic theatres

the city’s premier commercial theatre venues.

across America. Signing a deal to acquire top North

Panter says that having produced shows in Australia

American theatre chain ACE Theatrical Group, ATG

for a number of years, ATG fell in love with the Theatre

at one stroke brought the beautifully restored Kings

Royal. His team will work with MLC Centre co-owners

Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, The Saenger Theatre

to improve its facilities and create the signature ATG

and Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts

world class experience for theatre patrons.

in New Orleans, Louisiana and The Majestic Theatre

‘We plan to showcase the very best of theatre from

and Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in San Antonio,

Australia and the rest of the world, placing the MLC

Texas into the ATG family.

Centre and the Theatre Royal firmly in the centre of

The theatres in New Orleans have experienced

Sydney’s theatrical life,’ he said.

something of a renaissance since the devastation

The biggest live theatre business in the world with

brought about by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Built

over 3500 staff worldwide, ATG now finds itself

in 1927 in the Italian Renaissance style, the Saenger

promoting the best that Britain can offer in towns

became the focus of a $53 million redevelopment

and cities across the globe. And in the Spring, ATG

project after the disaster to bring it back to its original

became the majority shareholder of BB Group, one of

design. The Mahalia Jackson Theatre also underwent

the leading producers of premium live entertainment

a $30 million refurbishment. ‘We want to expand

in Europe, at one stroke making a significant increase

further throughout North America and into other

in production capacity. BB Group productions this

territories worldwide,’ said Squire, ‘The acquisition of

year include Rocky Horrow Show, We Will Rock You

ACE presents us with a superb opportunity to work

and The Bodyguard.

with old friends to help develop that vision.’

‘I don’t come from London and it was vital to me

With the acquisition of its first theatre in Sydney

growing up in Nottingham that there was fantastic

it looks like ATG will follow a similar pattern in the

theatre on my doorstep,’ Squire says, hinting at the

Asia-Pacific region having spotted demand in China,

eclectic spirit behind the growth of Ambassador

South Korea, Japan and Singapore. The Theatre Royal,

Theatre Group both in the UK and abroad. ‘I think

part of the MLC Centre in the Central Business District,

it’s so important for a community to have culture

is Sydney’s oldest theatrical institution and one of

at its heart.’ ■

For more information visit atg.co.uk ATG Magazine / 4

★★★★

INTERVIEW

‘THE GREATEST GOLDEN AGE MUSICAL OF THEM ALL’ TIMES

MATINEE Idol

JAMIE PARKER IS A SIZZLING SKY MASTERSON IN GUYS AND DOLLS

O

n this side of the Pond at least, the

himself with the character of Sky Masterson, the

musical theatre seems to lack a young,

ladykiller gambler who falls for the demure charms of

virile male in the

mould of an Alfred

Drake or Brian Stokes Mitchell, chaps who serenade and smoulder their way to stardom, a kind of Mr D’Arcy set to music.

But a young man who has been

Sister Sarah, the Salvation Army

★★★★

‘OOZES PURE CLASS’ MAIL ON SUNDAY

staking his claim to the vacant Feature by Al Senter

Photography by Johan Persson 5

ingénue in Frank Loesser’s abiding masterpiece Guys and Dolls. This Broadway musical and film sensation originally starred those great matinee idols Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando so Parker has a lot to live up to.

title is Middlesborough native Jamie Parker who has

After a triumphant run at Chichester, the production

been catching eyes as a musical theatre talent to watch

has been revived for the road with a strictly limited West

out for. Recently, Parker has been busy re-acquainting

End season at the Savoy thrown in for good measure.

David Haig, Sophie Thompson

★★★★

Jamie Parker This sizzling tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub

all time: I’d place it alongside My Fair Lady and

singers boasts some of Broadway’s greatest show-

West Side Story.’

stoppers including Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat,

Parker first made an impression as a member of

My Time of Day and I’ve Never Been in Love Before.

the extraordinary ensemble who came together for

With choreography from world-renowned Cuban

The History Boys at the National and he seems happy

ballet star Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright (Singin’ in

to cast himself as pupil to a series of mentors including

the Rain, Barnum), it features a cast and orchestra of

Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour and Roger Allam.

over 40 and features Olivier award winners David Haig

‘I learnt a lot about listening in The History Boys.

and Sophie Thompson. But the smouldering will

Both Frankie and Richard were able to be particular

largely fall to Parker.

and accurate in their speaking and thinking but not at the expense of spontaneity. In Henry

He’s had some practice. Prior to

IV, Part One, at every performance

Guys and Dolls, Parker spent several months at

I’d listen to Roger delivering

London’s Old Vic

Falstaff’s speech about honour and he

Theatre as the cynical reporter

never missed

in High Society,

a trick or

the role played

intonation.

in the 1956

I thought to

film by Frank

myself, you

Sinatra. In the

bastard! You’re taking a

year of the centenary of the

meticulous

birth of Ol’ Blue

navigation through

Eyes, Parker has also

that thing which

been called upon to

is the prose while making it wholly

play the great crooner at

contemporary.’

the Sinatra Prom. He’s

therefore been recently

material I’m given’ says Parker. His

great standards as Swell Party and Luck Be a Lady.

‘I’m all too aware that

I am only as good as the

wrapping his tonsils around such

screen work has left him with the feeling that

What made him decide to take up Chichester’s offer

‘I’m a stranger on sets where all your scenes are done

when the revival of Guys and Dolls became a reality?

in a whirlwind of action and line-learning.’ And as we

’Guys and Dolls is one of the great Broadway

have seen, Roger Allam has provided something of

musicals, Sky is a part I love, it was a production I was

a role model.

proud to be part of. What can I say about Sky? He’s a

‘You have to be careful not to be pigeon-holed in

gambler, of course, but it’s not helpful to see him only

the musical theatre. Like Roger, I’d like to do everything

in these terms. For both Sarah and Sky, they meet

from The Thick of It to Shakespeare, still making it up

when the walls around them are down and the whole

as I go along!’ ■

story does pivot on that fact. I’d argue that Guys and Dolls is one of the top three Broadway musicals of

‘A SCINTILLATING REVIVAL. AN EFFERVESCENT DELIGHT’ FINANCIAL TIMES

GUYS AND DOLLS Starring Sophie Thompson, David Haig, Jamie Parker and Siubhan Harrison and with choreography by Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER 10 - 21 November 2015 Box Office 0844 871 3019* NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 24 November - 5 December 2015 Box Office 0844 871 3011* SAVOY THEATRE, LONDON 10 December 2015 - 12 March 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7687* EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL 16 - 19 March 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3017* EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 12 - 16 April 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3014* KING’S THEATRE GLASGOW 7 - 11 June 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7648* MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 14 - 18 June 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7652* BRISTOL HIPPODROME THEATRE 12 - 16 July 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3012* NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING 26 - 30 July 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7645* Online booking at atgtickets.com *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply.

ATG Magazine / 6

PROFILE

Blood

THERE WILL BE

A BRUTAL AND BRILLIANT FAMILY SAGA

F Angus Wright and Lia Williams

★★★★★

orty years ago Lia Williams’s father took her

to see Fonteyn and Nureyev dance Romeo

and Juliet, and she was, she says ‘utterly

to her. The more unusual a character, she says, the

blown away. That’s when I understood that

better. And she’s versatile enough to alternate between television, film and stage and between acting

an audience. I was crying at what they felt for each

and directing, having recently been nominated for a

other - and I thought, I’d like to have that effect

BAFTA for her film version of Strindberg’s Stronger.

some day.’

‘But my passion is theatre,’ she adds. ‘If I’m offered

Well, she’s had a powerful effect in many roles,

a great stage role I’ll do it, no matter where it is.

recently the doomed Blanche in Tennessee Williams’

There’s nothing like the live experience. Nothing.’

Streetcar Named Desire and, alternating roles with

Sitting with her in her dressing-room between a

Kristin Scott Thomas, two friends in Harold Pinter’s

matinee and an evening performance, meaning over

Old Times. But she’s outdone herself as Klytemnestra

seven hours in which she’s pushing herself to the

in Oresteia at the Trafalgar Studios. Robert Icke’s

emotional limits, yet hearing her say she’s far more

modern-dress adaptation goes way beyond

exhilarated than exhausted - well, I believe her. ■

Aeschylus’s original and allows Williams successively

TIME OUT | SUNDAY TIMES

to be loving wife and mother, anguished parent, secretive

TIME OUT

‘SHOCKINGLY GOOD’ GUARDIAN

plotter, and ferocious avenger: a complex and finally frightening mix of emotions that could win her an Olivier award.

Icke created the piece with her in mind but she was initially uncertain about accepting the lead: ‘I’m not interested in playing monsters or stereotypes, but Rob said he didn’t see Klytemnestra that way. He wanted the audience to connect with a family drama and the death of a child, involving real people rather than mythic ones.’

Indeed, he asked Williams to watch The Sopranos, mafiosi who committed hideous crimes yet had their own morality.

She’s an assiduous researcher, who went up the Mississippi when she was preparing to play Blanche

TRAFALGAR STUDIOS

DuBois, but this time a

ORESTEIA

box-set of the American TV

Directed by Robert Icke Starring Lia Williams as Klytemnestra and Jessica Brown Findlay as Electra.

Until 7 November 2015 Box Office 0844 871 7632* Online booking at atgtickets.com *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply.

Interview by Benedict Nightingale Photography by Manuel Harlan 7

It’s still a challenging role, but that’s what appeals

you can transform yourself as an actor and transport

OBSERVER | MAIL ON SUNDAY

‘A ONCE-IN-ALIFETIME PIECE OF THEATRE, THE BEST THING THIS YEAR’

when I’m describing it to the audience.’

series was her start. However, she also watched Hillary Clinton on Youtube - ‘smiling and very commanding’ - and even had a butcher hang up a dead cow for her to stab in preparation for the murder of Agamemnon. ‘Yes, it was remarkably easy. The knife just slid in. And now I have the memory of what it feels like

COMPETITION ‘THE BEST FEEL-GOOD SHOW SINCE MAMMA MIA’ SUNDAY EXPRESS

TMAS CHRIS TY PAR GH! UR inburgh EDINisB Ed its the lar

cu la v p ecta Priscil for a s e s ive u t s o Playh g of fe helpin a c r e t x D e 5 rom 1 f un - f

NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE BIRMINGHAM 20 - 24 October 2015 Box Office 0844 871 3011* AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE 26 - 31 October 2015 Box Office 0844 871 7607* THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON 2 - 7 November 2015 Box Office 0844 871 7650*

S

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 30 November - 5 December 2015 Box Office 0844 871 3024*

lip on your favourite heels and dust off

To get your hands on this great prize simply

that feather boa because it’s time to join the

answer the following questions:

ultimate party! Due to popular demand,

the West End and Broadway feel-good

1. IN WHICH COUNTRY IS PRISCILLA SET? A) IRELAND B) AUSTRALIA C) CANADA

international hit sensation Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical is returning to a theatre near you. Winner of 4 whatsonstage.com awards including Best New Musical and starring Jason Donovan and Duncan James (Blue) at selected venues*, Priscilla is

2. JASON DONOVAN IS FORMERLY OF WHICH AUSTRALIAN SOAP OPERA? A) NEIGHBOURS B) HOME AND AWAY C) SONS AND DAUGHTERS

the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they ever dreamed of.

Based on the smash-hit movie and with a dazzling array of dance floor favourites including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland and I Love the Nightlife, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of fabulous.

We’re offering one lucky reader and three of their most glamorous friends the best seats in the house along with the full VIP treatment including champagne, ice-cream and programmes.

Please return your answers on a postcard, not forgetting your name, postal address and email, to; Nicole Logan, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd, 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR before Friday 14 November 2015. ■ *Duncan James and Jason Donovan do not appear at all venues / performances - please check atgtickets.com for details Due to its more colourful language this show has a guidance rating of 15+ Terms and Conditions One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date.

The prize includes four tickets (Mon - Thu perfs only) to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical at the ATG venue of your choice, plus one bottle of champagne, icecreams for 4 & 4 house programmes. 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.

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 15 December 2015 2 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3014* LIVERPOOL EMPIRE 25 - 30 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3017* MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 1 - 6 February 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7652* NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING 15 - 27 February 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7645* KING’S THEATRE GLASGOW 29 March - 2 April 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7648* PRINCESS THEATRE, TORQUAY 11 - 16 April 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3023* BRISTOL HIPPODROME THEATRE 30 May - 11 June 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3012* NEW THEATRE OXFORD 13 - 18 June 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3020* Online booking at atgtickets.com *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply.

ATG Magazine / 8

INTERVIEW

WINTER GET YOUR SKATES ON FOR TORVILL AND DEAN IN PANTOMIME

ecember is the season to be jolly and we

‘As Fairy Godparents, with the help of fairy magic,

humans used to celebrate it with

we’ll be catalysts to the story.’

questionable outdoor rituals involving lots

‘I’m particularly looking forward to lots of audience

of liquid refreshment. Nowadays we prefer

participation,’ Christopher enthuses. ‘We’re used to

to celebrate in a warm theatre watching a pantomime.

speaking to audiences on television - so they’ll expect

If you’re one of the millions that enjoy this very old, very

that when we’re on stage. My two boys live in

British tradition - the jokes, the celebrity appearances,

Colorado and have never heard of pantomime. But if

the shouting, the merrymaking, fairy dust and glamour - I can persuade them to see dad at work they may be then ATG theatres offer a cracker full of choice this

in for a few surprises!’

Christmas!

The Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympics saw Torvill and

This year’s magical family pantomime at the

Dean shoot to international fame as they became the

Manchester Opera House, is Cinderella, which sees

highest scoring figure-skaters of all time, dancing to

national treasures Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean,

Ravel’s Bolero, and earning a gold medal. But both

making their panto debut as Fairy Godparents. ‘We’d

refuse to divulge if we’ll be seeing Bolero on stage.

been asked before,’ Jayne confesses.‘But we were so

‘We want everything to be a fresh surprise for our

busy coaching, choreographing and filming Dancing

audiences,’ Jayne smiles mysteriously.

On Ice, as well as performing the Arena tours, we just

As tradition dictates, this classic rags to riches tale

never had the time.’

will be an extravaganza of glittering sets, gorgeous

Now Britain’s sporting icons will amaze audiences with costumes, big song and dance numbers, real Shetland sparkling routines. ‘When we were approached again,

ponies - and of course jaw-dropping skating

for the first time ever, we were free,’ laughs Christopher. sequences! Manchester can’t wait.

‘We’re really looking forward to bringing Cinderella to

Meanwhile over in Milton Keynes the glamorous

life on skates - but this time we’ll be wearing hi-tech

Priscilla Presley will star in Aladdin. Priscilla, best

roller-blading skates which we wore for the Royal Variety

known for co-starring with Leslie Nielsen in the

Performance. This means we’re not reliant on ice - so

Naked Gun series and as Jenna Wade in Dallas, will

we can be more involved in the panto. We’re already

embody the magic of Christmas as the Genie of the

working on new choreography which will bring a lot

Lamp. Widow Twankey is played by actor, comedian

of excitement to the wonderful Cinderella story.’

and national treasure Gary Wilmot. Dancer,

What about the logistics of trading huge arenas for

choreographer, and director, Wayne Sleep OBE, is the

proscenium arch stages? ‘We’re fortunate because, at the Genie of the Ring. While former A1 boyband member,

9

Opera House, they’re able to extend the stage over the

Ben Adams, is Aladdin! Oh yes he is!

orchestra to allow us extra space,’ Jayne explains.

Tabloid sensation, darling of the gossip columns

Images: Warwick Davis, Matthew Kelly, Gregor Fisher, Anita Dobson, Priscilla Presley and Hayley Mills Above: Katie Price

AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE

DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Sam Bailey, Andy Collins & Melanie Masson 11 December 2015 - 3 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7607* BRISTOL HIPPODROME

SNOW WHITE Starring Warwick Davis, Andy Day, Andy Ford & Shaun the Sheep 5 December 2015 - 3 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3012* KING’S THEATRE, GLASGOW

SNOW WHITE Starring Gregor Fisher, Des Clarke, Juliet Cadzow, Jenny Douglas 4 December 2015 - 10 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7648* LIVERPOOL EMPIRE THEATRE

DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Sally Lindsay, Leanne Campbell, Eric Potts, Pete Price & Kurtis Stacey 12 December 2015 - 3 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3017* OPERA HOUSE MANCHESTER

CINDERELLA Starring Torvill & Dean 5 December 2015- 3 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3019* MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

ALADDIN Starring Priscilla Presley, Gary Wilmot, Ben Adams, Wayne Sleep & Kev Orkian 4 December 2015 - 10 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7652* RICHMOND THEATRE

CINDERELLA Starring Hayley Mills, Matthew Kelly, Chris Jarvis & Matthew Rixon 4 December 2015 - 10 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7651* REGENT THEATRE, STOKE-ON-TRENT

PETER PAN

and canny businesswoman Katie Price appears in

Theatre’s Dick Whittington,

panto for the first time at The New Victoria Theatre in

Stoke favourite Jonathan Wilkes returning

Woking this Christmas. Sharing the role of the Wicked

to the Regent Theatre in Peter Pan and Eric Potts a

Fairy in a spectacular Sleeping Beauty with Anita

spectacular Sarah the Cook in the Liverpool Empire’s

Dobson, Katie will bring wicked glitz while Anita casts

Dick Whittington. A special appearance from movie

her legendary charm! CBeebies favourite, Ben Faulks

star and global phenomenon Shaun the Sheep

(Mr Bloom), is a green - fingered Prince Charming.

completes the starry line-up at the Bristol Hippodrome.

And over at the Richmond Theatre look out for

With sensational songs, dazzling dance routines,

Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winner Hayley Mills

and audience participation aplenty - it’s

in Cinderella. Joining her and back by popular

a sparkling line-up guaranteed

demand are Olivier award-winner Matthew Kelly

to get you out of the house

alongside his son Matthew Rixon as the Ugly Sisters

and away from the

while CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis (Show Me

leftovers. What more

Show Me) plays Buttons.

could you ask for

Other celebrities getting ready to share in the panto

this Christmas? ■

magic this year include Gregor Fisher in Snow White at Glasgow King’s Theatre, X factor winner Sam Bailey as a glamorous Fairy Bowbells in Aylesbury Waterside

Interview by Natalie Anglesey Photography by Paul Coltas

Starring Jonathan Wilkes & Christian Patterson 5 December 2015- 3 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7649* NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

PETER PAN Star cast to be announced 5 December 2015 - 10 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7646* NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING

SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Katie Price, Anita Dobson Ben Faulks and Carla Nella 11 December 2015 - 10 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7645* FOR FULL CASTING DETAILS AND ONLINE BOOKING FOR ALL PANTOS ACROSS ATG VENUES THIS YEAR VISIT atgtickets.com *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply.

ATG Magazine / 10

ATG TI MUST-HAVE TICKETS FOR THE AUTUMN - ACROSS THE UK ORESTEIA Part The Godfather and part Breaking Bad, this unmissable event brings Aeschylus’ greatest play to the London stage.

★★★★★ Time Out | Sunday Times Observer | Mail on Sunday

MARY POPPINS ON TOUR The enchanting story with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs adapted from the book by P L Travers and our favourite Walt Disney film.

THE HOMECOMING An unmissable theatre event as Harold Pinter’s finest play starring Keith Allen, Gemma Chan, Ron Cook, Gary Kemp, John Macmillan and John Simm comes to the Trafalgar Studios. Directed by Jamie Lloyd one of the leading interpreters of Pinter’s work.

SHREK ON TOUR

PANTO STOP PRESS - KATIE PRICE

‘Shrektacular. A great show for all the family’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Joyous. A monster hit!’ Mirror ‘A big thumbs up’ Daily Mail

Bringing a whole world of glitz and glam to Woking’s Sleeping Beauty this Christmas, model and TV star Katie Price shares the role of the Wicked Fairy with Anita Dobson (Eastenders).

Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7615

LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES Janet McTeer and Dominic West return to the Donmar with Michelle Dockery.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE 11

ICKETS TRAFALGAR STUDIOS** 0844 871 7632

Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615

THE HOMECOMING

THE LION KING

DISNEY’S

The Jamie Lloyd Company returns to the West End with Harold Pinter’s enigmatic masterpiece, The Homecoming, in the 50th anniversary year of the multi award-winning modern classic.

Starring Keith Allen, Gemma Chan, Ron Cook, Gary Kemp, John Macmillan and John Simm.

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

‘A beautiful dazzle of invention & imagination’ Evening Standard

Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615

WICKED Experience ‘the hit musical with brains, heart & courage’ (Sunday Telegraph) as it flies into its seventh spellbinding year.

Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622

Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630

The critically acclaimed production.

‘This is a great, very British musical about a great, very British band’ The Times

Worldwide smash-hit musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. ‘This true life mega-hit story of the Four Seasons is an utterly wonderful show of vitality, pace and power. Oh what a night of magical memories’ Daily Express

SUNNY AFTERNOON ★★★★

JERSEY BOYS

Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

GYPSY Transfers to the West End following its sell-out, rapturously acclaimed five-star run at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629

King’s Cross Theatre 0844 871 7615

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

IN THE HEIGHTS

A joyous new British musical featuring an original score with a Punjabi kick, it brings a unique cultural fusion of musical theatre to the stage.

This smash-hit, Tony Awardwinning musical is a joyously uplifting tale of young love.

‘Joyous choreography. It is simply ravishing’ The Times

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

Duke Of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

FARINELLI AND THE KING King’s Cross Theatre 0844 871 7615

Trafalgar Studios** 0844 871 7632

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s electric thriller asks how far beyond the playground we carry our childhood experiences.

‘Delightful. Kids will love this production & adults will be moved to tears’ Evening Standard

THE WASP

Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall, Jerusalem), ‘one of the greatest stage actors in the world’ (Daily Telegraph), stars in Claire van Kampen’s moving & mesmerising new play.

AT ATGTICKETS.COM YOUR ONE STOP SHOP *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply. **Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith.

ATG Magazine / 12

INTERVIEW

IT’S TIME TO RE-START THE PARTY!

TRANSYLVANIAN

BE WARNED THIS SHOW HAS RUDE PARTS!

Titillation RICHARD O’BRIEN REFLECTS ON THE SHOW THAT TOOK ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN

I

would like, if I may, to take you on a strange

London was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across

journey… so begins the narrator of The Rocky

the country - a record-breaking sell-out in which

Horror Show, in lilting tones. With its larger-than-

show creator Richard O’Brien appeared as Narrator

life characters, this is not a journey for the prudish,

alongside a host of celebrity guests including comedy

as young couple Brad and Janet discover when,

legend Stephen Fry and Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

caught in a storm, they arrive at the castle belonging

The show takes to the UK theatre circuit once again

to the fabulously corseted Transylvanian transvestite

this season, in a suitably big, loud, visually stunning

Dr Frank N. Furter.

production.

One of the greatest rock ’n’ roll musicals ever

What began with no more expectation than ‘three

created, Rocky Horror Show is also a hugely

weeks of fun’ back in 1973, in the experimental

entertaining journey that has endured for over forty

upstairs studio at the Royal Court, became a theatrical

years, and is still going strong. Not to mention being

phenomenon that ran for the following seven years

SHOW IN TOWN’

the vehicle that has brought the world the most

in the West End, growing in status all the time,

compelling group-participation dance of all time.

followed by Broadway, and has barely been out of

Evening Standard

This Autumn fans took part in probably the largest

production since.

simultaneous Time Warp ever when a gala

So what is its lasting fascination? ‘Other musicals

performance of the show at the Playhouse Theatre,

of that era very much stayed with that time, they

★★★★★

‘STILL THE SEXIEST AND FUNNIEST Interview by Lucy Johnston 13

RICHARD O’BRIEN’S

The world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical starring Diana Vickers (Little Voice, X-Factor) as Janet, Ben Freeman (Wicked, Emmerdale) as Brad, Paul Cattermole (S Club 7) as Eddie/Dr Scott THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON 18 December 2015 - 2 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7650*

haven’t transferred well,’ muses Richard O’Brien,

a lot back then, just sitting in the dark of the

who is perched on the sofa next to me. His distinctive

cinema soaking it all up.’

look marks him out immediately, in the same

Richard is clearly a pioneer. But in the way of many

curiously compelling way that his show sits clear

similarly visionary creative minds, he is charmingly

of all competition.

self-deprecating. ‘I like to think of it as a rather

‘Rocky Horror Show isn’t a musical in the expected

affectionate stew,’ he smiles, ‘a hotpot of the

sense. It’s a mix of genres and cultural references that

extraordinary ideas that were swirling around me

you’ll never experience in another West End show.

at that time. All those things that fascinated me, and

I think it’s for that reason it hasn’t dated. Ultimately,

still do. I took all of that, and knitted it into this new

it’s a simple fairytale; a Babes in the Wood type

cardigan which then just took on a life of its own.’

narrative. Those kind of stories endure, because they are human stories.’

Richard’s own story began

With the help of the film version, which came out in 1975, the show caught the imagination of a global fan base, giving it a following

with a childhood spent

the like of which has

between the UK and New

never been achieved

Zealand. In his early

with any other show.

twenties, struggling

And it is this

to find a direction

enduring fan base

that really inspired him, he came to

which makes the

London on a

show experience

year-out,

particularly

looking for

memorable - the

inspiration. He

efforts taken to

headed for the

dress up in

Hayward Gallery,

character, the thundering

where he was to experience an

appreciation at

epiphany that

the end and, most

would make his career.

notably, the unique

‘It was 1969, and this

tradition of the ‘call back’ heckles. Please note it is

big, new movement had arrived… Pop Art. I left that show elated, I think I was floating a few inches off the ground. The work of those artists Wesselmann’s cigarette packet-style paintings, or the

acceptable - even expected - for fans in the audience to heckle; as long as you stick to the ritual phrases, and your comic timing is spot-on. You have been warned!

Campbell’s soup cans - made me see that there was

Altogether, you come away from this show

something compelling and glamorous in depicting

feeling you are part of something extraordinary.

everyday subject matter in an artistic setting.’

I am confident when I say that I won’t have been

‘So that was it,’ he continues. ‘I already loved

the only one left feeling a little bereft at the end,

songwriting and, in that moment, I saw that what I had

as reality filters back into the auditorium.

to do was bring Pop Art to the stage. So I went home

And by the end you will - I promise you - find

and started pulling pieces of a show together from all

yourself doing the Time Warp. ■

over the place, a kind of mash-up of everything from Glam Rock to adverts from the back of magazines, to

Above: Richard O’Brien

the science fiction double-features that I would go to

Photograph by Shaun Webb Design

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE 5 - 16 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3018* NEW ALEXANDRA BIRMINGHAM 25 - 30 January 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3011* LIVERPOOL EMPIRE 1 - 6 February 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3017* SUNDERLAND EMPIRE 15 - 20 February 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3022* NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE 29 February - 5 March 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7646* PRINCESS THEATRE TORQUAY 7 - 12 March 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3023* EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 28 March - 2 April 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3014* GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 11 - 16 April 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3024* AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE 18 - 23 April 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7607* RICHMOND THEATRE 2 - 7 May 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7651* REGENT THEATRE, STOKE-ON-TRENT 23 - 28 May 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7649* NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING 27 June -2 July 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7645* BRISTOL HIPPODROME 18 -23 July 2016 Box Office 0844 871 3012* MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 25 -30 July 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7652* KING’S THEATRE GLASGOW 8 -13 August 2016 Box Office 0844 871 7648* Online booking at atgtickets.com *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge, bkg fees apply.

ATG Magazine / 14

Oriental STYLE

INSPIRATION

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Both from zara.com

TEA CUP AND SAUCER tedbaker.com £27.50 MINT & BERGAMOT TEA mariagefreres.com BOOKS Asia Light book by Ghillie James £15.99

£10.32

Tokyo Luxe City Guide £6.99 Both from waterstones .com

CERAMIC PLATE by Makoto Kagoshima. Stylists own from a selection at Gallery Eclectic. eclectic66.co.uk/1/ All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers

Feature by Olivier Lievre

15

ATG Magazine / 16

GOING OUT WE GAVE OUR INTREPID THEATRE FAN A CHALLENGE SQUIRREL OUT THE BEST MUSICALS ON TOUR THIS AUTUMN AND WHERE BEST TO SEE THEM - HERE’S WHAT SHE FOUND

STARRY

Nights

Mack and Mabel with Michael Ball at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Hairspray, Liverpool Empire New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Edinburgh Playhouse Bristol Hippodrome

Indulge me - surely nothing is more joyous and

film of the same name, this big, bold and beautiful

uplifting than a musical? This autumn promises to be

musical comedy perfectly captures the Baltimore of

an all-singing-all-dancing extravaganza and it’s more

1962, where Tracy, a girl with huge hair and a huge

than tempting to prolong the experience by combining

heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance

a wonderful show with a city break - a delicious lunch,

her way to TV fame. It’s feel-good theatre with added

afternoon tea, and maybe a few local attractions.

bounce - and we’re worth it.

Aren’t we lucky - a handful of standout musicals tour throughout the autumn. The sparkling, foot-tapping phenomenon Mack and Mabel is set in the era of silent movies. Mack (double Olivier award-winner Michael Ball) is the legendary film-maker and Mabel (Rebecca LaChance Beautiful - The Carole King

- and a musical is visually exciting, accessible and fun to watch. Not to be missed this autumn is Cameron Mackintosh’s supercalifragilistic production of Mary Poppins - played by Zizi Strallen, whose CV includes Cats, Dirty Dancing, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Another top tip for families is Shrek, the song and dance extravaganza. It’s wacky, larger than life and perfect for children of five plus. Based on the awardwinning animation, it follows the story of the brave Shrek and his faithful steed Donkey, who go on a

Musical) is the

perilous quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona.

movie star with

Add in a cast of fairy-tale eccentrics, a biscuit with

a natural comic talent. Their real-life romance is turbulent and the music - the big band, swing sound - is dazzling.

Meanwhile, a brand

17

It’s never too early to introduce children to theatre

attitude and a nail-biting wait at the altar and you have a hot ticket on your hands.

And speaking of hot - catch Jason Donovan or Duncan James starring in the fabulous international hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical when it visits Edinburgh for Christmas. It’s guaranteed to get you in the mood to party with dance floor hits from I Will Survive to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun -

new production of

I can’t wait.

Hairspray is out on the

But where to catch all these treats - and what

road. Based on the 1988

else to do when you get there?

Shrek the Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse and Liverpool Empire National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Mary Poppins, Bristol Hippodrome

LIVERPOOL

EDINBURGH

In the heart of Liverpool, the open-air shopping mall

Where to start with Edinburgh? There are so many

Liverpool One hosts more than 160 high street and

historic places, a favourite being Edinburgh Castle -

designer stores. Peter’s Lane is packed with designer

steeped in history. Nestled just beneath it is the Castle

brands, but if you want something a bit calmer, try

Terrace Restaurant. Stylish and boasting wonderful

unwinding at the Liverpool Waterfront - enjoy the

British cuisine it’s the perfect ending to a day walking

stunning views and sense of sheer luxury. It offers

in this fabulous city. Or, if you fancy a taste of history

everything a visitor could wish for in the way of

try the National Museum of Scotland - war exhibitions,

shops and eating delights - Gusto and the Michelin-

rural life, flight, art. It’s good to know that the Brew

recommended Maritime Dining Rooms, in the

Lab is very close by - a specialist coffee bar, which

Merseyside Maritime Museum, which is also fascinating.

is comfortably Bohemian, serving mouth-watering

Or try the Tate Gallery for a cultural treat. You could

food with local provenance.

even take a ferry across the Mersey. You could even sing the song.

BRISTOL

BIRMINGHAM

Bristol is an extraordinary, historic city - and a look at Brunel’s famous Clifton suspension bridge is

Cox and Baloney, Bristol Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse

liverpool-one.com liverpoolwaterfront.org gustorestaurants.uk.com liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime tate.org.uk/liverpool purnellsrestaurant.com away2dine.co.uk/ cadburyworld.co.uk

In Birmingham, visit the famous, 200-year-old

tempting, but so is afternoon tea, which the city has

Jewellery Quarter. Around 40% of British jewellery is

in abundance. The Bristol Hotel and Cox and Baloney

made here. Rest and re-charge in Purnell’s Restaurant:

Tea Rooms all offer luxury and elegance - scones

nms.ac.uk

chic, contemporary and Michelin starred. Even more

and dainty sandwiches, specialist teas (Cox and

relaxing is the canal region - Birmingham has more

Baloney offer 15 different loose tea choices!),

brewlabcoffee.co.uk

miles of canal than Venice - and you can experience

comfortable sofas and convivial surroundings.

this in a fascinating boat trip, complete with freshly prepared food, drink and breathtaking views. Imagine a dinner for two - with scenery that changes every minute. If you want to go slightly further, a real family treat is Cadbury World; see how it all started with this

Wherever you go this autumn, check out these musicals and combine them with city breaks that

castleterracerestaurant.com

doylecollection.com/hotels/ the-bristol-hotel coxandbaloneytearooms.com

will be exciting, refreshing and memorable. After all, we deserve it, don’t you think? ■

To find out what’s on at ATG theatres across the UK visit atgtickets.com

Black Country company, watch your favourites being made - and buy some chocolate to take home.

Feature by Victoria Kingston ATG Magazine / 18