The Ambassador Theatre Group
THE A-LIST ISSUE David Walliams Michael Gambon Kelly Brook Lesley Garrett Marti Pellow Simon Callow HOTLIST! La Cage Aux Folles Life’s little luxuries Creepy! Ghost walks Costume capers
Autumn/Winter 2008 Things to do,people to see
www.theambassadors.com
6
PS! HRH the Prince of Wales celebrates his 60th birthday with We
best
Are Not Amused at the New Wimbledon Theatre - look out for the biggest names in comedy - Robin Williams, John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson and more. For information 0870 060 6646
of the
▲
Everyone’s going to... Old Billingsgate Market - the London party venue of choice. oldbillingsgate.co.uk
▲ You shall go to the ball! Gareth Gates, Joanna Page and Alistair McGowan in panto at the New Wimbledon Theatre. ▲
Brilliant! Flared candlestick £29.95 conranshop.co.uk
▲ Frocks to die for and a drastic lifestyle change in La Cage Aux Folles at the Playhouse this Autumn - Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson as you’ve never seen them before.
▲
Kelly Brook makes her West End debut alongside Kevin Bishop (Channel 4’s The Kevin Bishop Show) in Neil LaBute’s searing comedy Fat Pig at the Comedy Theatre fatpigtheplay.com
The Ambassador Theatre Group
2 1 3
1 Lesley Garrett, Carousel 2 Marti Pellow, The Witches of Eastwick 3 Prêt-à-Portea
Dream or Nightmare?
1
Riffs and Redemption
Into the dark with David
A new creative partnership
Walliams and Michael Gambon
at the Trafalgar Studios
9
Let There Be Rock Picture This
Mixing It
3
14
A fab first night
What’s On In London
11
Competition
12
15
A luxury private view
Lesley Garrett - on nuns and loose women
Pellow Talk
5
La Cage Aux Folles
days out this season
High Honours It’s panto time!
17
Ghosts, galleries and celebrity gossip - the best
Hellishly good - Marti Pellow
Villains and Velcro
Such a Perfect Day
7
13
Accolades for the Ambassador Group
AMBASSADOR GROUP PRODUCTIONS
AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP REGIONAL THEATRES Theatre Royal Brighton 08700 606 650 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0870 060 6620 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0870 060 6648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0870 060 6647 Milton Keynes Theatre 0870 060 6652 Richmond Theatre 0870 060 6651 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0870 060 6649 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0870 060 6646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 01483 545945 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0870 060 6645 Online booking at www.theambassadors.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Benedict Nightingale, Mark Shenton, Al Senter, Victoria Kingston, Jasper Rees, Kirsty Woodfield, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury Contributors SWD Design and Art Direction John Good Print The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.
Cover photography courtesy of Rex Features
AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP LONDON THEATRES Comedy Theatre 0870 060 6637 Donmar Warehouse 0870 060 6624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0870 060 6623 Fortune Theatre 0870 060 6626 Phoenix Theatre 0870 060 6629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 412 6666 Playhouse Theatre 0870 060 6631 Savoy Theatre 0870 164 8787 Trafalgar Studios 0870 060 6632
Interview
Dream or Nightmare? Discovering the power of Pinter’s No Man’s Land
Michael Gambon plays the rich,
seems to me to have been born
stay. ‘In recent years I’ve had the
reclusive, alcoholic writer Hirst
to play the part of Spooner in
good fortune to play Max in The
in Rupert Goold’s revival of
what the actor himself describes
Homecoming and Davies in The
Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land
as Pinter’s masterpiece, a poetic,
Caretaker,’ says Bradley. ‘While
at the Duke of York’s, and David
multi-levelled play that’s ‘the
there are echoes of Davies in
Walliams is one of the two
funniest and bleakest I’ve ever
Spooner, both being outsiders
thuggish servants who jealously
worked on.’
down on their luck trying to
guard him, his privacy and his
Feature by Benedict Nightingale Photography by 1
Jeremy Whelehan
So who is Spooner? He’s the
get a foot in the door, Spooner
drinks cabinet. But maybe the
shabby poet and opportunist
is educated and sees himself
most rewarding role in the play
whom Hirst has picked up in
as Hirst’s intellectual equal but
goes to an actor who is less of
a Hampstead pub and, to the
without the wealth and fame.’
a household name than either
consternation of those protective
but has long been one of my
heavies, brought back to his
John Gielgud opposite Ralph
personal favourites. And with
mansion for what Spooner
Richardson’s Hirst back in 1975:
his thin, ravaged, beaky, faintly
clearly hopes will be an
a performance that some of us
vulturous features, David Bradley
indefinite and highly profitable
(including, it was said, a relieved
The role was first played by
Gielgud) saw as proof that the
voice he, like Bradley, had me
great classical actor could bring
reaching for avian parallels.
a quirky contemporary character to life. I can see Gielgud still. There
No Man’s Land presents us with the sort of subtle, surreptitious battle familiar
he is - the sort of ragbag
to every admirer of our Nobel
bohemian one could sometimes
laureate, Harold Pinter. In his
see padding across Hampstead
work intruders are constantly
Heath, his head full of memories
appearing from nowhere and
of little magazines and the
doing what they can to secure
Spanish Civil War. And, drawing
territory, power, dominance.
on his observations of the poet
But this time the intrusion takes
W.H. Auden, Sir John filled out
a stranger form, for Hirst is
this picture with tiny, mordant
marooned in a ‘no man’s land’
touches, signalling truculence
in which nothing seems real but
or preciosity or pique.
the happy times he had long ago,
It was a terrific performance,
and Spooner’s ruse is to enter
but one that came close to being
the old toper’s head, playing
matched by Paul Eddington who
with his memories, sharing his
played Spooner opposite Pinter
fantasies, manipulating him as
himself in 1992. Eddington,
foxily as he can and, he hopes,
coming as he did with a bow-tie,
taking control of his household.
a suit that had seen better days
‘Doing Harold’s plays you feel safe. They are so well made, solid and deep. You could find all sorts of quite legitimate subtexts within them.’ Michael Gambon
But naturally Hirst’s servants
and the nervous, defensive look
have interests of their own and
of a man who had just been
aren’t too enthralled by
drummed out of the Garrick
Spooner’s self-serving games.
Club for failing to pay his dues,
Yet here too things aren’t simple
was posher than Gielgud but no
or straightforward. As Walliams
less predatory. With his beady,
says, ‘Pinter’s trusting of the
darting eyes and prim, wailing
subconscious means that his
plays are like dreams or rather nightmares.’ Indeed, I can’t think of a better example of Pinter’s characters’ habit of not quite saying what they mean, or meaning what they say, than the now-famous Bolsover Street speech. Without warning, Nick Dunning’s Briggs launches into a seemingly irrelevant description of the one-way system around London’s Post Office Tower and, of Bolsover Street in particular. You can get into it, he says, but it’s so intricate and confusing you can’t get out: ‘There are people who’ve been wandering up and down Bolsover Street for years, they’ve wasted their bloody youth there.’ And does Spooner get the
Duke of York’s Theatre
not-so-hidden message, that
No Man’s Land
he’s blundered into a situation too tricky and dangerous for him to handle? If you don’t
‘Performing the play on the first night in Dublin, in front of Harold Pinter, was the most terrifying but thrilling moment of my life.’ David Walliams
know the answer, it’s waiting for you at the Duke of York’s.
By Harold Pinter Directed by Rupert Goold Starring Michael Gambon, David Bradley, David Walliams and Nick Dunning Box Office 0870 060 6623 Online booking at www.theambassadors.com 2
Interview
Mixing It For Lesley Garrett, variety is the spice of life!
Interview by Mark Shenton Photography by 3
Simon Fowler
‘It’s a very natural and easy thing
equally at home juggling live
Music at the London Palladium;
for me to do musicals,’ says
opera performances, concert
‘There was a moment when I was
Lesley Garrett, who first came
appearances and musicals,
a loose woman and a nun at the
to prominence as a principal
recording best-selling solo CDs
same time - that was particularly
soprano at English National
or presenting a weekly opera
diverse even by my standards!’
Opera in the mid-80s, and was
programme on Classic FM. She
awarded a CBE in the 2002 New
has also appeared on TV shows
returning to musicals with
Year’s Honours List for services
like Strictly Come Dancing and
Carousel, and finds that it is full
to music. ‘There are lots of lovely
Loose Women, and last year
of personal resonances. ‘What
roles for more mature singers in
presented the BBC1 TV series
I have in Nettie Fowler is the
musical theatre, which I’m not
Christmas Voices, which has been
richest, most wonderful
necessarily finding the
re-commissioned for this year’s
character, someone that is clearly
opportunity to do in opera.’
festive season.
the matriarch of the whole
Lesley Garrett is firmly
Two years ago she took on
She is looking forward to
community - looking after,
established as Britain’s most
her first musical role, playing the
feeding, supporting, nurturing
popular and eclectic soprano,
Mother Abbess in The Sound of
and loving all the people in it,
and that’s exactly where I am in
it was a lovely day. Music was
proving a joyful release. ‘For
my own life. This is the perfect
always in and around the house:
me this is the musical’s musical.
role for me at this time - I’m a
When I was a kid we sang
I think it’s the greatest musical
mother (she has two children,
everything around the piano -
Rodgers and Hammerstein ever
a son aged 15 and a daughter
operas and musicals and hymns
wrote - it was certainly Rodgers’
aged 14), my husband is a doctor,
and folk music.’
absolute favourite. And I’m
and we are very much part of
She’s carried those eclectic
attracted to it because of its
the community in North London
influences into her career.
darkness - it is almost operatic
where we live. I also have a huge
‘What I love to do is to mix it
in that respect. People tend to
family in Yorkshire, and still go
all up, not just for myself, but
associate musicals with lighter
back up there regularly.’
for the public, too’, she points
subjects - it’s unusual for them
out. But though she juggles
to have such incredibly dark
other link to Carousel. ‘I feel very
a wide range of jobs and
and profound meaning. And the
drawn to this show because of
disciplines, she doesn’t like
music is just heavenly too - it has
my own background. Carousel is
the term ‘cross-over artist’.
some of their very best songs.
And Yorkshire provides the
set amongst a small community
‘That sounds like a bra!’ she
June is Bustin’ Out All Over is
and deals with the interplay
jokes. ‘Because I grew up with
just fabulously funny - and then
between the very diverse
it all, I don’t know what I’m
I have to sing this icon of a song,
characters there. I come from
crossing over from or to. It was
You’ll Never Walk Alone, which
‘
Carousel is set amongst a small community and deals with the interplay between the very diverse characters there. I come from a very close-knit industrial community, just like the world that Carousel is set in. In the show it is cotton mills and fishing; with me it was the pits and steelworks and the railways.
’
has an almost hymn-like status.’
a very close-knit industrial
the Three Tenors who turned
community, just like the world
me onto the idea that I could
The latter appears on her
that Carousel is set in. In the
entertain with classical music,
latest album, Amazing Grace,
show it is cotton mills and
reach a bigger audience with
due out in November. She says
fishing; with me it was the pits
it and introduce people to
proudly, ‘I’m so thrilled about
and steelworks and the railways.’
the classical technique. I’m a
it - I’ve gone right back to my
classically trained opera singer
classical roots, and it’s almost
another reason: ‘The way that
and I always will be - I can’t un-
entirely classical, apart from the
they make music spontaneously
invent that wheel. But the idea
title song and You’ll Never Walk
in Maine is exactly the way we
that I can be flexible and
Alone, so I hope that people who
made music when I was a child.
versatile with that instrument
come to see Carousel will go off
I can remember vividly that my
and technique is something
and buy it, and be introduced
mum and dad would sing Oh
that I find very exciting.’
to composers and music that
But Carousel is resonant for
What A Beautiful Morning when
Applying it to Carousel is
Lesley Garrett and Carol McGiffin presenting Loose Women Connie Fisher and Lesley Garrett in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium
they’ve never heard before.’
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
Carousel Starring Lesley Garrett Milton Keynes Theatre 13 - 18 Oct 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6652
New Victoria Theatre, Woking 20 - 25 Oct 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6645
New Wimbledon Theatre 3 - 8 Nov 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6646
Savoy Theatre From 22 Nov 2008 Box Office 0870 164 8787 Online booking at www.theambassadors.com 4
Interview
Pellow Talk Marti Pellow plays the demonic Daryl van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick
Playing the Devil cannot be an
seasoned rock star to be at ease
No.1 in fifteen countries and
easy task, especially when you’re
on the stage but you might be
had a virtually unprecedented
shorn of the traditional horns
surprised by the inventiveness
fifteen week reign at the summit
and forked tail. Marti Pellow’s
and the discipline of the
of the UK charts. After the band
Old Nick in The Witches of
characterisation.
went their separate ways, Marti
Eastwick has a dash of Presley
Interview by Al Senter Photography by 5
Robert Workman
Marti Pellow first came to
established himself as a solo
in his pelvic thrusts, a hint of
public attention as the lead
artist and a songwriter - and
Travolta in the sharp-suited ease
vocalist and frontman for Wet
now that Wet Wet Wet have
with which he glides across the
Wet Wet, one of the leading
reformed, there is yet another
stage and a soupçon of Carrey
bands of the 1980s and 1990s
outlet for Marti’s boundless
in his sometimes zany delivery.
who racked up a total of twelve
creative energies.
This Daryl van Horne is a Lord
Top Ten hits including three that
of Misrule, a capering bundle
clinched the top spot. Their
as he appears on stage. There
of mischief. Oozing sexual allure,
version of Love Is All Around,
is an urgency about him that
Marti goes to his work with
heard on the soundtrack of Four
is almost febrile. He’s an
relish. You’d expect such a
Weddings and a Funeral, was
unashamed enthusiast with a
In person, Marti is as dynamic
Marti is, of course, not the first
sharp and wide-ranging
Daryl thinks of himself as a
intelligence. Initially wary, he
cultured man, he’s something of
performer to tangle with Daryl
relaxes into a kind of blokeish
a SoHo Sammy, a Diamond Jack
van Horne. Updike’s devilish Don
intimacy as he reflects on the
and it’s part of his plan that in
Juan could have been written for
sequence of events that have
seducing the three Witches, he’s
Jack Nicholson who played Daryl
brought him to playing Daryl van
helping them realise their true
in the 1987 film.
Horne in The Witches of Eastwick.
potential.’
‘Before this, playing Billy
‘It’s fortunate that I haven’t
What’s evident from Marti’s
seen the movie and I’ve
Flynn in Chicago was my only
packed CV is his restlessness, a
deliberately steered clear of it’
experience of doing a musical.
pleasurable mixing and matching
says Marti. ‘Of course, you have
That was five years ago and I’d
of different musical genres. You
to keep your imagination open
had such a good time doing it
sense that he’s always open to
but at the same time you mustn’t
that I wanted to return to the
suggestions and ripe for new
allow it to be influenced by
musical theatre. Since then, I’ve
creative experiences. Had the
powerful images from outside.
been looking for something that
move into the musical theatre
In acting, you try to work with
would strike me as being a bit
been part of a long-established
people, as in this production,
special.’ When Marti saw a
plan?
who help you raise your game.’
production of The Witches of
‘Hell no!’ exclaims Marti. ‘I
Marti certainly seems to
Eastwick in Washington, he felt
was performing in concert at
have found his metier in the
that his five year quest could
the Royal Albert Hall and in the
character of Daryl van Horne. ‘I
well be at an end.
audience was not only Ruthie
love the way he manipulates the
‘
women, how he plays on their
I liked the whole idea of the character who mysteriously descends upon Eastwick, this suburban town in the 1950s, and who undermines their cosy white picket fence existence. It’s like an episode of The Twilight Zone.
’
vulnerability and how things get really dark.’ Meanwhile, Marti is working on his own musical, an intriguing project set in the gangland Soho of the 1950s And further acting roles, both musical and nonmusical, must be a distinct possibility, as is a move into film.
Henshall but also a couple of
No less a figure than Robert de
and I could see that it would be
Chicago producers. I met Ruthie
Niro asked to meet him when
a real challenge to play Daryl’
after the show and she
casting his spy film The Good
says Marti. ‘I liked the whole idea
suggested that I should think
Shepherd. Nothing came from
of the character who mysteriously
about doing a musical.’ Then I
this encounter but Marti is not
descends upon Eastwick, this
was approached with the offer
discouraged.
suburban town in the 1950s, and
of Billy Flynn in Chicago. Now
who undermines their cosy white
sleazy lawyers aren’t exactly
possibilities: it’s about not being
picket fence existence. It’s like
unknown to me and I felt that
afraid to fall flat on your face:
an episode of The Twilight Zone.
I understood him well enough
it’s about putting yourself on the
to play him.’
line. It’s about saying - let’s do it!’
‘It engaged my imagination
‘It’s about being alive to all the
Marti Pellow stars in
The Witches of Eastwick A hell of a musical New Victoria Theatre, Woking 28 Oct - 1 Nov 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6645
Milton Keynes Theatre 23 - 28 Feb 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6652 Online booking at www.theambassadors.com 6
Backstage
Villains and Velcro Secrets of the dressing room with Simon Callow and Eric Potts
Interview by 7
Victoria Kingston
‘I had a conversation with Sir
think that this season, one of
having played the Dame for the
Ian McKellen, who played Hook
the country’s greatest actors
past fourteen seasons - and this
at the National Theatre,’ Simon
will be got up in fine coat and
year flamboyantly filling the
Callow muses over coffee at
ruffled shirt, boots and long
stage at Woking as Widow
Richmond Theatre. ‘He said
black wig, brandishing a rather
Twankey alongside Bradley
‘Don’t play Hook - it’s a terrible
terrifying hook. With malevolent
Walsh in Aladdin. He agrees with
part. You have to play Mr
laugh and vengeance in his soul,
Simon about the participation.
Darling as well - and there’s all
he will pursue Peter Pan (Bonnie
‘I love to see children who are so
that sword fighting and they boo
Langford) across the world.
cynical normally, so blasé because
you constantly.’ And I said - well,
‘He wants to kill Peter. It’s that
they’re used to computer
that’s rather the point. I like all
simple,’ says Simon. ‘Peter is,
technology, virtual this and that -
that - the costumes and the
after all, the reason why he
and when the curtain goes up,
participation. He said, ‘Well, it’s
has the hook. You can’t expect
they become totally immersed
not why I came into the theatre.’
Hook to like him.’
in the fantasy. They will boo the
Simon laughs his deep, mellow laugh - and it’s wonderful to
With us is actor Eric Potts,
baddie until their throats hurt.
a true veteran of pantomime,
All these modern techno things
fall away and they are children
however. Eric has nine costume
expect is a little bout of eczema.
again. I like that.’
changes, which are done at top
That’s as bad as it will get.
speed. ‘I have a brilliant woman
I hope!’
At the heart of pantomime
With his nine costume changes,
is the strange custom that the
waiting in the wings,’ he explains.
lead characters engage in cross-
‘We work as a team and she
Eric simply isn’t impressed. He
dressing. ‘The tradition of
knows when I’m going to put
waves this away breezily. ‘You
women playing the young male
out my arm and she has the
know, Simon, all that’s needed
lead and men playing dames is a
sleeve ready. We think as one,
here is a good hand cream.
very fascinating part of this mad,
which makes a huge difference
Nothing more.’
English tradition of pantomime,’
when you’ve only got twenty
Simon comments. ‘And foreigners
seconds. It’s all down to a
Theatre Royal, Brighton
don’t really understand it.
good dresser and Velcro.’
Wizard of Oz
Originally, boys would have
It’s hot on stage under
Sponsored by
5 Dec 2008 - 4 Jan 2009
played the lead in pantomimes -
those coveted spotlights -
Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Peter
and the costumes and make-
Pan and so on. The cross-dressing
up of both Hook and Widow
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
factor - these parts being taken
Twankey are thick and
by young women, came about
cumbersome. ‘The wigs are so
Aladdin
only in the Victorian era - just to
heavy,’ says Eric with feeling.
get the thighs on stage! That
‘So are the dresses. But once
Box Office 08700 606 650
Starring Bradley Walsh, Eric Potts and Eloise Irving 5 Dec 2008 - 18 Jan 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6645
‘
I love to see children who are so cynical normally, so blasé because they’re used to computer technology, virtual this and that - but when the curtain goes up, they become totally immersed in the fantasy.
Milton Keynes Theatre
Peter Pan Starring Henry Winkler and Andy Ford
’
was the motive there. Of course,
you know the routine,
they would be quite comely
your body doesn’t make
women! Nowadays, these parts
as much adrenalin and
are played by actresses who
you don’t sweat as
are very slight of build - and
much even though
wonderful dancers - like Bonnie.’
you are running
The reverse is true of the actor playing the Dame, because it’s
around.’ ‘It’s very hot
5 Dec 2008 - 18 Jan 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6652
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Cinderella Starring Steve Guttenberg and Helen Lederer 5 Dec 2008 - 18 Jan 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6620
New Wimbledon Theatre
his job to look as grotesque
inside Hook’s
Cinderella
and ridiculous as he can - and
costume,’ says Simon.
Starring Gareth Gates, Joanna
sexy legs don’t come into it. ‘It’s
‘And especially the
Page and Alistair McGowan
really a shame because I have
sleeve with the hook.
5 Dec 2008 -18 Jan 2009
wonderful thighs,’ Eric asserts.
You have to hold on to it
Box Office 0870 060 6646
‘I don’t suppose they’d ever cast
from the inside. It’s metal,
me as Peter - there’s no harness
tin - so it’s sweaty. When
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
strong enough to hold me. But
your hand finally emerges
Snow White
they didn’t even ask. That’s what
from the sleeve after the
Starring Jonathan Wilkes
hurts.’ We laugh sympathetically.
show, you feel it will be
and Claire Sweeney
‘But I like being the Dame.’ he
a horrid, shrivelled thing.
11 Dec 2008 -11 Jan 2009
adds. ‘I like her to be cuddly
Of course, it’s not as bad
Box Office 0870 060 6649
and kind - no child should ever
as the strapped-up leg
be afraid of her. They should
when you’re playing Long
Kings Theatre, Glasgow
feel safe with her. It’s a balance -
John Silver. That can be
the evil villain, the cuddly Dame
really serious, because
Cinderella
and the lovely Principal Boy.
it’s strapped behind you
Our costumes reflect that.’
and the blood stops
This dressing up has its problems for the actors,
flowing. With the hook, I suppose the most I can
Starring Gerard Kelly, Karen Dunbar and Andy Gray 28 Nov 2008 - 11 Jan 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6648
Richmond Theatre Supporting the Theatres for Theatres Appeal in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital www.gosh.org © 2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no 235825
Peter Pan Starring Simon Callow and Bonnie Langford 5 Dec 2008 - 11 Jan 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6651
8
Backstage
Riffs and Redemption Back on the road with Riflemind
In terms of human interaction,
then every night go out onstage
cost of making music are thin
a theatre company and a rock
with them, until ‘creative
on the ground. The sex, the
band have almost nothing in
differences’ take their toll and
drugs, the gradual ruination of
common. Yes, they both involve
the band atomises. Some time
the guitar-based friendships of
collective performance on a
later, needing the money and,
youth, the cauterising of the soul
stage in front of an audience,
armed with the hope that
by untold wealth - these are the
but there all similarities end.
enough calming water has
things that the Greeks would
A play calls for a gathering
flowed under the bridge,
have contemplated in their
of collaborators who, however
you reunite.
tragedies if only the Fender
intense the personal tensions,
Feature by Jasper Rees
9
It’s remarkable there aren’t
Stratocaster had been invented in time.
know that at the end of the run
more stage plays about rock.
they will disperse to the four
There are countless back-
winds, perhaps never to meet
catalogue musicals, but they’re
Riflemind, which was staged by
Andrew Upton’s new play,
again. In a rock band, you
part of an ageing pop act’s
Philip Seymour Hoffman last year
Photography by
hunker down in the studio for
corporate brand these days.
in Sydney and under the same
Kerry Brown
months with the same people,
Actual plays about the human
director has now come to the
Creative sparks flew at the Trafalgar Studios as a new cultural exchange was announced. Sydney Theatre Company (whose co-artistic directors are playwright Andrew Upton and actress Cate Blanchett) and LABrinth Theater Company from New York (whose artistic directors include Philip Seymour Hoffman) will become Associate Companies of this groundbreaking venue, presenting writers and actors from both companies whose work is new or rarely seen in London. The first production from this new association is Riflemind and the recent Trafalgar Studios Top Row: Meryl Faiers Tali Pelman Cate Blanchett Rosemary Squire Rob Brookman John Gould Rubin
sell-out Elling will have its
Bottom Row: Howard Panter Andrew Upton Philip Seymour Hoffman
Australian premiere in 2009.
Trafalgar Studios, is a rarity. The
prey to the public’s fickle taste.
down to a combination of
band in Upton’s play is thinking
In pop, a song can accusingly
amphetamines, homosexuality
about going back on the road,
stick around in the ether long
and the Beatles.
and gathers in the stately English
after the band who recorded it
mansion of its most recalcitrant
have slumped from their creative
reason why there have been so
member to mull over the
and commercial peak.
few plays about the cohesion
options.
The other pleasure about the
Talking of whom, there’s a
and antagonism within great
rock play is trying to guess, as
British bands. And that reason
catastrophe, but then a play
with Spinal Tap, who it’s based
is copyright. Two years ago
about a well adjusted rock band
on. In Riflemind, John Hannah,
Nottingham Playhouse staged
Needless to say, it’s a
‘
The White Album, a play about
The sex, the drugs, the gradual ruination of the guitar-based friendships of youth, the cauterising of the soul by untold wealth - these are the things that the Greeks would have contemplated in their tragedies if only the Fender Stratocaster had been invented in time.
’
one Beatlemaniac’s obsessive identification with the manysplendoured 1968 recording. The legal requirement was that the production could not use any of the songs on the album as part of the action of the play, but were allowed to get away with recognisable copies. Actual Beatles music could only be used
which carefully re-forms and
who inherits the role of the lead
as bridges between scenes or
meticulously rakes in potloads
guitarist from Hugo Weaving,
as underscoring.
of moolah - like Take That or
thinks he’s spotted a similarity
The Eagles - does not make
in the play’s internal combustions
been a better play about
for drama.
with those of the Reid brothers
rock’n’roll than Rock’n’Roll. It
from the Jesus and Mary Chain.
being the work of Tom Stoppard,
Riflemind while attending a
‘I think there’s some of the Reids
there isn’t a single rock star in it.
Trafalgar Studios 1
series of concerts in London
in Riflemind,’ he says. ‘And bits
As for Riflemind, it has rock stars,
featuring bands including the
of Nirvana. Bands that are close
not as we prefer to think of
Riflemind
Stooges who re-formed to play
always have tension.’
them, bestriding the public stage
Upton first had the idea for
classic LPs. ‘It’s something I’ve
There was no such confusion
Of course there has never
like colossal poets of the age,
been thinking about for years:
in Telstar, in which Nick Moran
but as humans at the mercy of
how can you have any kind of
and James Hicks crafted a
their own moral fragility. That
longevity in a career in the arts?
terrifically detailed drama about
of course is where the playwright
Everyone has a moment when
the forces which drove early 60s
comes in.
they’re at their best.’
record producer Joe Meek to
That’s just another way in
shoot his landlady and then
which theatre differs. A theatre
himself. The problem, as those
production may vanish in a puff
who see the film when it’s
of smoke, but careers are not
released will discover, boils
By Andrew Upton Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman Cast includes John Hannah Booking until 3 Jan 2009 Box Office 0871 297 5461 It’s cheaper to book online www.theambassadors.com 10
What’s What’s OnOn
C
Buy West End tickets with the Ambassador Group COMEDY THEATRE 0870 060 6637
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 0870 060 6631
Fat Pig
La Cage Aux Folles
A new comedy
The smash hit musical from
Written and directed by Neil LaBute
The Menier Chocolate Factory
Starring Kevin Bishop, Kelly Brook,
Starring Douglas Hodge
Nicholas Burns and Katie Kerr
and Denis Lawson
‘Waves of laughter’ Evening Standard
DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE 0870 060 6623
SAVOY THEATRE 0870 164 8787
No Man’s Land
Never Forget
By Harold Pinter
This great big romantic comedy of
Starring Michael Gambon,
a musical is the ultimate feel-good
David Bradley, David Walliams
night out! Featuring your favourite
and Nick Dunning
Take That hits - Could It Be Magic, Relight My Fire and Never Forget
DONMAR WAREHOUSE 0870 060 6624
SAVOY THEATRE 0870 164 8787
Creditors
Carousel
By Strindberg
By Rodgers and Hammerstein
In a new version by David Greig
Starring Lesley Garrett From 22 November 2008
FORTUNE THEATRE 0870 060 6626
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0870 060 6632
The Woman in Black
Riflemind
‘A brilliant spine-chiller’
By Andrew Upton
The Guardian
Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman Cast includes John Hannah
★★★★
‘Superb - right on target’ London Lite
OLD VIC 0870 060 6628
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2 0870 060 6632
The Norman Conquests
Potted Potter
Table Manners, Living Together, Round & Round The Garden By Alan Ayckbourn
THE UNAUTHORISED HARRY EXPERIENCE - A PARODY BY DAN AND JEFF
Cast includes Amelia Bullmore,
Studio 2 has been made possible
Jessica Hynes, Stephen Mangan,
by a generous donation
Ben Miles and Paul Ritter
from Christina Smith
PHOENIX THEATRE 0870 060 6629
APOLLO VICTORIA 0870 060 6615
Willy Russell’s
Rain Man
Blood Brothers ‘Brings the audience to its
Starring Josh Hartnett and Adam Godley
feet and roaring its approval’ Daily Mail
PICCADILLY THEATRE 0844 412 6666
SHAFTESBURY THEATRE 0870 060 6615
Grease
Hairspray
Starring X Factor’s Ray Quinn London’s high octane rock’n’roll party - it’s electrifying!
11
C - it’s cheaper to book online
Starring Michael Ball ‘The musical with everything. A triumph!’ Observer
Book your tickets online at www.theambassadors.com
Win a fabulous night out in London’s West End!
Competition
AUX FOLLES
Playhouse Theatre
La Cage Aux Folles Starring Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson 20 Oct 2008 - 10 Jan 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6631
The sell-out Menier Chocolate
artiste Albin, star of the La Cage
Factory production of La Cage
Aux Folles club, is threatened
deliciously funny tale of family
Aux Folles, transfers to the
when Georges’ son announces
values, unconditional love, and
Playhouse Theatre this Autumn
his engagement to the daughter
above all, the need to be proud
and we have tickets to give away
of a right-wing politician. With a
of who we are.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- the perfect opportunity for a
visit from the prospective in-laws
To win a pair of tickets, simply
Two winners will be drawn at
dazzling night out in London’s
imminent, they decide to make a
answer the following question:
random after the closing date.
West End.
drastic lifestyle change... but can
Don’t miss this timeless and
Each prize includes a pair of tickets for La Cage Aux Folles
they keep it up?
Q: Who wrote the score for
Dolls, Titus Andronicus) stars
La Cage Aux Folles premiered on
La Cage Aux Folles?
as cross-dressing cabaret artiste
Broadway in 1983, where it won
Albin and Denis Lawson (TV’s
six Tony Awards and became the
Please return your answer, not
by Friday 7 November 2008.
Bleak House and Holby City)
biggest new American musical
forgetting your name, address
Prize is non-transferable and
plays Georges, owner of the
of the decade. Jerry Herman’s
and telephone number to Vicky
non-redeemable for a cash
La Cage Aux Folles nightclub
fabulous score includes the
Brown, The Ambassador Theatre
in this comic classic.
anthem I Am What I Am, The
Group Ltd. 24 Neal Street,
to employees of Ambassador
Best of Times and Song on
London WC2H 9QW before
Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s
the Sand.
Monday 3 November 2008.
decision is final.
Douglas Hodge (Guys and
The idyllic existence of Georges and the colourful drag
at the Playhouse Theatre, London (Monday - Thursday performances only). Winners will be notified
value. Prize must be taken by 18 December 2008. Not open
12
News (L-R) Helen Enright (Finance and Commerical Director ATG), Lewis Miller (Senior Manager at Ernst & Young), Rosemary Squire (Joint Chief Executive ATG) and Michael Lynas (Executive Director ATG) (Below) Rosemary Squire OBE
High Honours Recognition for the Ambassador Group’s pioneering work across the UK There was recognition in the
funding for capital improvements
Honours List for the work that
to protect the long-term future
goes on behind the scenes in
of London’s historic theatres.
the theatre industry as Rosemary
and privilege for me to receive
CEO of The Ambassador Theatre
this award at Buckingham Palace
Group Ltd, received an Order
today,’ said Rosemary ‘and to
of the British Empire medal
have my family here with me
from the Prince of Wales at
makes the occasion very special
Buckingham Palace.
indeed. I’m extremely proud of
An influential figure in the
the pioneering work that ATG
arts, Rosemary was appointed
has achieved over the past 15
an Officer of the Order of the
years and it is wonderful that
British Empire for Services to
the company and the industry
Theatre.
have been recognised in
As Co-founder of ATG, Rosemary has spearheaded the company’s exponential growth. A member of the Theatrical Management Association and a board member of Dance Umbrella, the UK’s foremost international contemporary dance festival, Rosemary
this way.’ In addition, September saw Joint CEO’s of the Ambassador Theatre Group Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire short-listed as Regional Finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards 2008. The Award recognises
was also the first
leadership and the
democratically elected
accomplishments of a business.
President of the Society
Selection criteria include
of London Theatre and
entrepreneurial spirit,
only the second female
innovation, strategic direction,
President in the
leading and building teams,
organisation’s 100-year history.
financial performance and
As President, Rosemary has
national and global impact.
campaigned fiercely to improve the West End theatre-going 13
‘It is a tremendous honour
Squire, Co-founder and Joint
environment and to secure vital
Paul Hilton Ruth Gemmell Susan Prior John Hannah
Emilia Fox Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton
Nick Rhodes Eddie Marsan Imogen Lloyd Webber Photography by Dan Wooler
Let there be Rock Rock’n’roll and raspberry martinis - at the Riflemind first night party With enormous saltwater
night of Andrew Upton’s play
Trafalgar Studios but also an
to see work that is new or
aquariums, futuristic chrome
Riflemind about friendship, rock
exciting creative association.
rarely seen in London. The
and glass, martinis and raspberry
and second chances. Guests
vodka - it couldn’t have been
including Emilia Fox, Imogen
actors from LABrinth Theater
association is Riflemind - and
more rock and roll. A stone’s
Lloyd Webber and Nick Rhodes
Company, New York and the
judging from the excited
throw from theatreland in the
(Duran Duran) joined film star
Sydney Theatre Company - now
conversation at the opening
sophisticated setting of the
Cate Blanchett and writer
Associate Companies of the
night - this artistic collaboration
glass-fronted Kingly Club, guests
Andrew Upton to mark both the
Trafalgar Studios - this cultural
is already making waves.
gathered to celebrate the first
opening night of the play at the
exchange will enable audiences
Bringing together writers and
first production from the new
14
Style
Picture This... Picture-perfect luxuries for winter (Top row l-r) Sportmax ovatte belt £145
Orla Kiely claret/red zip wallet
at LilliDiva 020 7801 9600
020 7487 3001
Lejaby bra £50 Lejaby briefs £39
Pewter metallic fabric shoe £119 Pewter clutch bag £69
at Amélie’s Follies 020 7924 3826
Willow cashmere cape with kimono sleeve £159 willowcashmere.com White cream camisole £75 at Selfridges 0800 123 400
Matina Amanita landmark ring The London Arms
£149 at Shoon, Marylebone
at Olivier’s Lounge (as before)
E.Coudray - Esperys - huile parfumée pour le corps £35 at Fortnum and Mason, 020 7734 8040 fortnumandmason.com
The White Company cassis candle
£590 at Kabiri, 020 7224 1808
15
£16 thewhitecompany.com
(Middle row l-r) ABRO mock-croc handbag £265
(Bottom row l-r) ‘App-Art a` louer’ necklace Manhattan purple
at Olivier’s Lounge, 020 7924 4321
£120 at LilliDiva (as before)
£26 conranshop.co.uk
All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers
Paola Navone expresso cup and saucer
Feature by Mark Bouman Photography by Shaun Webb 16
Going Out
Such a Perfect Day Three thrilling themes to try this Autumn
Tower of London hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/ The Viaduct Tavern
given rise to its status as one
can make it challenging to
of the most haunted locations in
navigate the city and enjoy a
Britain. Arrive first thing and join
proceedings on Fridays or
satisfying day out. But with such
one of the insightful tours led by
Saturdays is to book a Haunted
a rich tapestry of places waiting
a Yeoman Warder or ‘Beefeater’.
London Tour with Richard Jones,
to be discovered, you can be sure
Ask to be shown where the
author of 14 best-selling ghostly
that the big smoke will keep you
ghosts of Anne Boleyn and the
books. An authority on the
entertained whatever your taste
Little Princes lurk and visit the
subject, he offers atmospheric
or interest. So, whether it’s pure
Salt Tower. It’s rumoured to be
Hidden Horrors and Alleyways
relaxation or a dose of culture
the most haunted part of the
and Shadows walking tours.
that you’re after, here’s a guide
site, with dogs and warders
to three activity-filled days with
alike unwilling to enter it
a seasonal twist.
after nightfall.
Haunted Capital
at The Viaduct Tavern near St
There’s no better place to begin
Paul’s Cathedral. Once the site
exploring London’s colourful
of a small debtor’s prison and
heritage of gruesome deeds and
later a Victorian gin palace, this
devilish ghost stories than in the
pub has preserved many of its
020 7600 1863 Bleeding Heart Bistro bleedingheart.co.uk Haunted London Tour london-ghost-walk.co.uk
historical features, including one
visitbankside.com
of the original cells. A short walk through Holborn brings you into
Fortnum and Mason
theatreland where the intimate
fortnumandmason.com Somerset House somersethouse.org.uk St James’ Hotel and Club
elemis.com The Berkeley 17
the-berkeley.co.uk
Festive Fun
a matinée performance of the
In the tradition of Frost Fairs
spine-tingling The Woman
that used to take place on a
in Black.
frozen River Thames between the 17th and early 19th centuries,
stop for an early supper at the
the Bankside Winter Festival
Bleeding Heart Bistro in
returns this year for 10 days
Farringdon. Hidden away in a
starting on 12 December. Lining
cobbled yard, where 17th-century
the Bankside riverwalk outside
historic surroundings of the
beauty Lady Elizabeth Hatton
the Tate Modern, the festival
Tower of London. Dating back to
was once found murdered, the
provides an opportunity for
the 1080s, this landmark’s role as
brasserie is renowned for its
Christmas shopping among the
fortress, palace and prison has
appetizing French fare and
high-quality art and crafts stalls.
Royal Academy of Arts
Elemis day-spa
The Gallery, Fortnum and Mason
Fortune Theatre is the venue for
Having worked up an appetite,
stjameshotelandclub.com
A perfect way to round off
Next it’s time for refreshment
Bankside Winter Festival
royalacademy.org.uk
impressive wine list.
London’s multitude of attractions
Bleeding Heart Bistro
Images top l-r Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley Tower of London Haunted London Tour Somerset House’s Ice Rink
extensive 18-month renovation,
a thermal muscle massage with
Piccadilly to continue shopping
St James’s Hotel and Club in
an anti-ageing booster facial.
at Fortnum and Mason. Serving
Mayfair has recently opened
up festive specials every day,
its doors, with Michelin-starred
rejuvenation complete, drop
The Gallery Restaurant is an
chef Dieter Müller at the helm.
into The Berkeley for the
ideal spot from where to survey
Needless to say, breakfasts at his
ultimate fashion tea. Madonna
the store’s revamped Ground
Andaman restaurant are lavish
Floor and savour cuisine that
affairs and champagne can be
mirrors some of the flavours
served alongside morning
of the famous Fresh Food Hall.
delights of Eggs Benedict and
Cross the river into bustling
To work off a long lunch, head to Somerset House’s
Culture and bodily
Kedgeree with smoked haddock. A brief walk brings you to the
popular Ice Rink for a one-hour
Royal Academy of Arts, where
skating session around the
fine collections of classic and
beautiful Tiffany Christmas tree. New treats at the pop-up Tiffany Tuck Shop include delectable cupcakes from The Hummingbird
Prêt-à-Portea, The Berkeley
Bakery and an exclusively designed sterling silver skate
and Gwyneth Paltrow have both
charm.
succumbed to the temptations of Prêt-à-Portea, which is served
A great way to celebrate Christmas is with a good old
daily in The Caramel Room
panto and the New Wimbledon
between 2pm and 6pm. Biscuits
Theatre has earned a reputation
and pastries inspired by the
for putting on the ultimate Yuletide show in the capital.
Andaman bar, St James’s Hotel
latest fashions give traditional English tea a creative edge and
This year’s magical Cinderella
contemporary paintings and
new seasonal designs have just
promises to be no different,
installations are displayed in
been finalised.
with an all-star cast that
Burlington House. Also within
includes Gareth Gates.
handy walking distance, Elemis
icing on the cake so reserve a
New Wimbledon Theatre
day-spa is a sensory space
seat at the beautiful Savoy and
and Savoy Theatre see
created with pure escapism in
keep an eye out for the stars.
www.theambassadors.com
As winter draws in, why not
mind. Ideal for awakening the
Carousel with Lesley Garrett
spoil yourself with a day of
body, the new Elemis Cooling
makes its anticipated West
Feature by
pampering? Following an
Hot Stone Body-Facial combines
End transfer in November.
Neena Dhillon
Indulgence Alert
A night at the theatre is the
For details of what’s on at the Fortune Theatre,
18
“with a little guts and lots of glitter”
0870 060 6631 lacagelondon.com PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Northumberland Avenue, London WC2
“ Waves
of
LAUGHTER” Evening Standard
Kevin Bishop Kelly Brook Nicholas Burns Katie Kerr
0870 060 6637
24hrs bkg fee
www.fatpigtheplay.com
COMEDY THEATRE Panton Street, London SW1