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